What is BS EN ISO 398:2012 ?

Title: What is BS EN ISO 398:2012? A Technical Standard for Software Documentation

Software documentation is a critical element in ensuring the proper functioning of software systems. Clear and concise documentation is essential for developers, users, and other stakeholders to understand the software and its functionality. The purpose of this article is to explore the key aspects of BS EN ISO 398:2012, a technical standard for software documentation, and its significance in the field of software development.

Purpose of BS EN ISO 398:2012:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 is a technical standard that outlines the requirements for writing clear and concise software documentation. The standard has been developed to address the need for standardized documentation practices in the software industry. By following the guidelines outlined in BS EN ISO 398:2012, software documentation can be enhanced, leading to better understanding and utilization of the software among developers, maintainers, and users.

Key Elements of BS EN ISO 398:2012:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 is based on the EN ISO 15502:2012 standard, which is a crucial guide for technical writing. The standard provides guidelines on various aspects of software documentation, including structure, content, style, and presentation. The following are the key components of BS EN ISO 398:2012:

Structure:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 provides guidelines on the structure of software documentation, including the use of hierarchical and non-hierarchical structures. The standard emphasizes the importance of a clear and consistent document structure, which can help readers quickly locate and understand the information presented.

Content:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 emphasizes the need for high-quality and accurate content in software documentation. The standard outlines the content to be included in software documentation, such as descriptions of the software's functionality, installation and usage instructions, and troubleshooting information. By ensuring that the content is up-to-date, accurate, and easy to understand, software documentation can be enhanced and improved user experience.

Style:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 provides guidelines on the style of software documentation, including the use of fonts, colors, and tables. The standard emphasizes the importance of using a consistent and clear style throughout the documentation, which can help to make the information more readable and easier to understand.

Presentation:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 offers guidelines on the presentation of software documentation, including the use of images, diagrams, and screenshots. The standard emphasizes the importance of using high-quality images and diagrams that accurately represent the software's functionality and features.

Conclusion:

BS EN ISO 398:2012 is a technical standard that outlines the requirements for writing clear and concise software documentation. By following the guidelines outlined in the standard, software developers, maintainers, and users can enhance the clarity and consistency of software documentation, leading to better understanding and utilization of the software.