Frontend Documentation Creator Skill
Overview
This skill guides creation and maintenance of frontend documentation for the MCP Finance application. It helps document:
- •Dashboard Architecture - How each dashboard works and relates to others
- •API Integration - Frontend to Cloud Run communication
- •Component Documentation - React component usage and patterns
- •MCP Integration - How the MCP server connects to frontend
- •Troubleshooting Guides - Common issues and solutions
- •Architecture Diagrams - Visual system documentation
- •Setup Guides - Getting started with the frontend
When to Use This Skill
Automatic Triggers
Claude will automatically invoke this skill when you mention:
- •"Create frontend documentation"
- •"Document the dashboard"
- •"Explain MCP integration"
- •"Create architecture guide"
- •"Write troubleshooting guide"
Manual Invocation
/frontend-docs-creator [options]
Use Cases
- •
Architecture Documentation
- •Frontend system architecture
- •Frontend-to-backend communication flow
- •MCP integration diagram
- •Dashboard relationships
- •
Dashboard Documentation
- •Scanner dashboard guide
- •Analyze dashboard guide
- •Portfolio dashboard guide
- •Other dashboard documentation
- •
API Integration Guides
- •How frontend calls backend
- •Environment variable setup
- •Error handling patterns
- •Data flow documentation
- •
Component Documentation
- •React component usage
- •Component props and behavior
- •UI patterns and conventions
- •State management
- •
Troubleshooting Guides
- •Common frontend errors
- •Backend connection issues
- •Environment setup problems
- •Browser/console debugging
Documentation Location
All frontend documentation lives in:
/nextjs-mcp-finance/front-docs/ ├── MCP_ARCHITECTURE_GUIDE.md # System architecture & error fixes ├── DASHBOARD_GUIDE.md # Dashboard documentation ├── COMPONENT_GUIDE.md # React component patterns ├── API_INTEGRATION_GUIDE.md # Frontend-to-backend communication ├── TROUBLESHOOTING_GUIDE.md # Common issues and solutions └── SETUP_GUIDE.md # Getting started guide
Important: All documentation goes in front-docs/ directory and is ignored by git.
Core Principles
Documentation Standards
- •
Clear Structure
- •Headings organized logically
- •Table of contents for long documents
- •Code examples for technical concepts
- •Diagrams for system architecture
- •
Target Audience
- •Document for frontend developers
- •Assume basic React knowledge
- •Explain MCP/backend concepts clearly
- •Include troubleshooting for common issues
- •
Code Examples
- •Real code from the codebase
- •Runnable, tested examples
- •Proper syntax highlighting
- •Comments explaining key concepts
- •
Accuracy
- •Link to actual files using
[filename](path/to/file) - •Include line numbers for code references
- •Test documentation before finalizing
- •Update docs when code changes
- •Link to actual files using
File Naming Convention
[TOPIC]_GUIDE.md # General guides (SETUP_GUIDE.md) [DASHBOARD]_DASHBOARD.md # Dashboard docs (SCANNER_DASHBOARD.md) [FEATURE]_ARCHITECTURE.md # Architecture docs (MCP_ARCHITECTURE.md) TROUBLESHOOTING_[TOPIC].md # Troubleshooting (TROUBLESHOOTING_API.md)
Content Structure
Each documentation file should follow:
# Title ## Overview Brief description of what this document covers ## Quick Reference Quick commands or key concepts ## Detailed Guide [Main content sections] ## Examples Real code examples from the codebase ## Troubleshooting Common issues and solutions ## Related Documentation Links to other relevant docs
Step-by-Step Workflow
Phase 1: Planning
Objectives:
- •Determine documentation scope
- •Identify target audience
- •Gather source material
- •Plan content structure
Process:
- •Identify what needs documentation
- •Research existing code and patterns
- •Determine document type and structure
- •Plan sections and examples
- •Identify code references
Inputs:
- •Topic/subject matter
- •Target audience
- •Existing code examples
- •Related documentation
Outputs:
- •Documentation plan with section outline
- •List of code examples to include
- •Structure and flow
Phase 2: Content Creation
Objectives:
- •Write documentation content
- •Include code examples
- •Create clear explanations
- •Add diagrams/visuals
Process:
- •Create document structure with headings
- •Write overview section
- •Add detailed explanation sections
- •Include code examples with references
- •Create visual diagrams
- •Add troubleshooting section
- •Include related documentation links
Features:
- •Real code examples with file paths
- •Clear explanations of concepts
- •Visual ASCII diagrams where helpful
- •Practical troubleshooting section
- •Links to related docs
Example Structure:
# MCP Finance Architecture ## Overview The system has 3 layers: Frontend, Backend, MCP Server ## Architecture [ASCII diagram showing the 3 layers] ## Frontend Layer [Explains Next.js, components, pages] ## Backend Layer [Explains Cloud Run, FastAPI, endpoints] ## MCP Server Layer [Explains Python library, analysis functions] ## Communication Flow [Explains how layers communicate] ## Examples [Code examples from actual files] ## Troubleshooting [Common issues and fixes]
Phase 3: Code Examples & References
Objectives:
- •Include real, working code examples
- •Reference actual files in codebase
- •Show practical usage
- •Ensure examples are accurate
Process:
- •Identify relevant code files
- •Extract relevant code sections
- •Add line numbers and file paths
- •Explain what the code does
- •Add context about when/where to use
- •Include expected output/results
Format:
### Example: Calling the Scanner API
From [src/app/(dashboard)/scanner/page.tsx:67](<../../src/app/(dashboard)/scanner/page.tsx#L67>):
\`\`\`typescript
const response = await fetch("/api/mcp/scan", {
method: "POST",
headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
body: JSON.stringify({
universe: selectedUniverse,
maxResults: tierLimits.scanResultsLimit,
}),
});
\`\`\`
**Explanation:** This code calls the scanner API endpoint with the universe and result limit from the user's tier.
Phase 4: Verification & Finalization
Objectives:
- •Ensure documentation is accurate
- •Check all code examples work
- •Verify links are correct
- •Confirm clarity and completeness
Verification Checklist:
- • All code examples are accurate and current
- • File references point to correct locations
- • Links to related docs exist and work
- • No broken references or 404s
- • Code examples are properly formatted
- • Explanations are clear and complete
- • Troubleshooting section covers common issues
- • Document follows naming conventions
- • Title and structure are clear
Finalization:
- •Verify all links point to correct files
- •Test code examples work
- •Ensure consistency with other docs
- •Add to documentation index
- •Update table of contents
Documentation Templates
Template 1: Architecture Guide
Use for explaining system architecture or data flow.
# [Topic] Architecture ## Overview [Brief description of what this architecture covers] ## System Diagram [ASCII diagram showing components and relationships] ## Components [List and explain each component] ## Data Flow [Explain how data moves through the system] ## Examples [Practical examples of the architecture in action] ## Related Documentation [Links to related docs]
Template 2: Dashboard Guide
Use for documenting individual dashboards.
# [Dashboard Name] Dashboard ## Overview [What this dashboard does and why] ## Features - Feature 1: [Description] - Feature 2: [Description] - Feature 3: [Description] ## How It Works [Explain the workflow and user interactions] ## API Integration [Which API endpoints this dashboard uses] ## Code Structure [File locations and component breakdown] ## Example Usage [Step-by-step walkthrough of using the dashboard] ## Troubleshooting [Common issues specific to this dashboard]
Template 3: Troubleshooting Guide
Use for documenting common issues and solutions.
# Troubleshooting [Topic] ## Overview [Common issues users might face] ## Issue 1: [Problem Description] **Symptoms:** - [Symptom 1] - [Symptom 2] **Causes:** - [Possible cause 1] - [Possible cause 2] **Solutions:** 1. [Solution step 1] 2. [Solution step 2] **Example Output:** \`\`\` [Expected output or error message] \`\`\` ## Issue 2: [Problem Description] [Same structure as Issue 1]
Common Documentation Topics
1. MCP Integration Guide
Covers:
- •How frontend connects to Cloud Run
- •Environment variables needed
- •Request/response formats
- •Error handling
Location: MCP_ARCHITECTURE_GUIDE.md
Key Content:
- •3-layer architecture diagram
- •Frontend → Backend → MCP flow
- •Error troubleshooting
- •Environment setup
2. Dashboard Guide
Covers:
- •What each dashboard does
- •How to use each dashboard
- •Features and capabilities
- •Related APIs
Location: DASHBOARD_GUIDE.md
Key Content:
- •Scanner dashboard features
- •Analyze dashboard features
- •Portfolio dashboard features
- •Comparison with other dashboards
3. Component Guide
Covers:
- •React component patterns
- •Common UI components
- •Component props
- •Usage examples
Location: COMPONENT_GUIDE.md
Key Content:
- •Button/Card/Table components
- •Form components
- •Data display components
- •State management patterns
4. API Integration Guide
Covers:
- •Frontend API client setup
- •How to call backend endpoints
- •Request/response handling
- •Error handling patterns
Location: API_INTEGRATION_GUIDE.md
Key Content:
- •MCPClient setup
- •Calling different endpoints
- •Error handling
- •Async/await patterns
5. Setup Guide
Covers:
- •Environment variable setup
- •Development environment setup
- •Running the frontend
- •Common setup issues
Location: SETUP_GUIDE.md
Key Content:
- •Installation steps
- •Environment variables needed
- •Running npm dev
- •Verification steps
Usage Examples
Example 1: Create Architecture Guide
/frontend-docs-creator \ --topic="MCP Integration" \ --type="architecture" \ --include-examples=true
Process:
- •Create MCP_ARCHITECTURE_GUIDE.md
- •Add system diagram showing 3 layers
- •Explain each layer's purpose
- •Show code examples of API calls
- •Include error troubleshooting
Output:
- •
front-docs/MCP_ARCHITECTURE_GUIDE.md- Complete architecture guide
Example 2: Document a Dashboard
/frontend-docs-creator \ --topic="Scanner Dashboard" \ --type="dashboard" \ --include-examples=true
Process:
- •Create SCANNER_DASHBOARD.md
- •Explain dashboard purpose
- •Document features
- •Show API integration
- •Include usage examples
Output:
- •
front-docs/SCANNER_DASHBOARD.md- Dashboard guide
Example 3: Create Troubleshooting Guide
/frontend-docs-creator \ --topic="API Errors" \ --type="troubleshooting"
Process:
- •Create TROUBLESHOOTING_API.md
- •List common API errors
- •Explain causes for each
- •Provide solutions
- •Show error messages
Output:
- •
front-docs/TROUBLESHOOTING_API.md- Troubleshooting guide
Integration with Project
.gitignore
The front-docs/ directory is in .gitignore so:
- •Documentation is not committed to git
- •Useful for local development reference
- •Can evolve independently from code
- •Team members create their own versions
# Frontend Documentation (local development reference) /nextjs-mcp-finance/front-docs/
.claude Rules
A project rule ensures documentation consistency:
location: nextjs-mcp-finance/.claude/rules/frontend-docs.md triggers: When creating frontend documentation ensures: Consistent style, format, and location
Usage in Claude Code
When working on frontend code:
- •Reference
front-docs/files for context - •Add documentation when adding features
- •Update docs when changing functionality
- •Check troubleshooting guide for known issues
Documentation Checklist
Before finalizing any frontend documentation:
Content Checklist
- • Title clearly describes the topic
- • Overview explains the purpose
- • Key concepts are explained clearly
- • Examples are current and working
- • Code samples are properly formatted
- • File paths are accurate
- • Line numbers are correct
- • Troubleshooting section exists
- • Related docs are linked
Accuracy Checklist
- • All code examples work
- • File references point to correct locations
- • API endpoints match actual code
- • Error messages are accurate
- • Screenshots/diagrams are current
- • Version numbers are correct
Format Checklist
- • Follows naming convention:
[TOPIC]_GUIDE.md - • Uses proper markdown formatting
- • Code blocks have syntax highlighting
- • Headings are properly hierarchical
- • Links use relative paths
- • No broken links or references
Completeness Checklist
- • Document is placed in
front-docs/ - • File is organized properly
- • Related documentation is linked
- • Troubleshooting section is complete
- • Examples cover main use cases
Best Practices
Writing Clear Documentation
- •
Use Simple Language
- •Explain concepts clearly
- •Avoid jargon without explanation
- •Use analogies for complex concepts
- •
Show, Don't Tell
- •Include code examples
- •Show actual output
- •Demonstrate with real use cases
- •
Organize Logically
- •Use clear headings
- •Group related content
- •Progress from simple to complex
- •
Keep Current
- •Update when code changes
- •Verify examples still work
- •Fix outdated information
Code Examples
- •
Use Real Code
- •Extract from actual files
- •Reference with file path and line number
- •Show surrounding context
- •
Format Properly
- •Use syntax highlighting
- •Add explaining comments
- •Keep snippets concise
- •
Make Them Runnable
- •Examples should work
- •Include setup steps if needed
- •Show expected output
Diagrams & Visuals
- •
ASCII Diagrams
- •Use for architecture/flows
- •Keep simple and clear
- •Label all components
- •
Tables
- •Use for comparisons
- •Use for reference material
- •Keep consistent formatting
- •
Markdown Links
- •Use
[text](path)format - •Use relative paths:
../../src/file.ts - •Link to specific line numbers
- •Use
Related Documentation
Within this project:
- •MCP_ARCHITECTURE_GUIDE.md - System architecture explanation
- •DASHBOARD_GUIDE.md - Dashboard documentation
- •Codebase READMEs - Component and feature documentation
- •Project .claude/CLAUDE.md - Project guidelines
External resources:
- •Next.js Documentation - React and framework patterns
- •TypeScript Handbook - Type system documentation
- •React Documentation - Component patterns
Troubleshooting
Issue: "Documentation is out of sync with code"
Solution:
- •Check if code has changed
- •Update examples with new code
- •Verify file paths still exist
- •Test that examples still work
Issue: "Code example is too large"
Solution:
- •Extract only relevant portion
- •Use
[...]to indicate omitted code - •Add comment about context
- •Reference full file for complete code
Issue: "Can't find the right file to reference"
Solution:
- •Use Glob to search:
src/**/*.tsx - •Use Grep to find functions/exports
- •Check project structure in
.claude/CLAUDE.md - •Ask about file locations
Summary
The Frontend Documentation Creator skill provides a structured approach to documenting the MCP Finance frontend:
- •Plan - Identify what needs documentation
- •Create - Write clear, well-structured docs
- •Reference - Include real code examples
- •Organize - Store in
front-docs/directory - •Maintain - Keep documentation current
By following this workflow, the frontend remains well-documented and easy to understand for all developers.
Support
For questions about:
- •Documentation structure - See "Documentation Templates"
- •Code examples - See "Phase 3: Code Examples & References"
- •Specific topics - See "Common Documentation Topics"
- •Best practices - See "Best Practices"