Documentation Quality Checklist
Validation criteria for generated documentation pages. Run through this checklist before writing any page to disk.
Content Completeness
- • All required sections are present
- • All required diagrams are generated and embedded
- • No TODO or placeholder text remains
- • Introduction provides context and purpose
- • Conclusion summarizes key points
Evidence Backing
- • Every major claim cites a source
- • Code examples are real (from codebase, not invented)
- • File references use correct paths
- • Line numbers are accurate
- • Evidence sources are listed in metadata
Markdown Syntax
- • Headings have proper hierarchy (h1 → h2 → h3)
- • Code blocks include language specification
- • Tables are properly formatted
- • Lists use consistent formatting
- • No broken markdown syntax
Diagram Validation
- • ASCII diagrams render correctly in monospace
- • Diagram has descriptive title
- • Diagram has explanatory caption
- • Diagram content matches surrounding text
- • Box widths are consistent
Cross-References
- • Internal links use relative paths:
[text](../../path/to/page.md) - • Referenced pages exist in sitemap
- • External links are properly formatted
- • Bidirectional references where appropriate
- • Breadcrumb navigation included if appropriate
Word Count Guidelines
| Page Type | Target Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overview pages | 500-1000 | Concise, high-level |
| Architecture pages | 1000-2000 | Detailed with diagrams |
| Component/service pages | 800-1500 | Focused on single topic |
| Workflow pages | 600-1200 | Step-by-step with diagrams |
| Reference pages | 300-800 | Tables and lists |
Quick Validation
For rapid checks, verify these critical items:
- •Required content exists - All sections and diagrams present
- •Evidence is real - Code examples from actual codebase
- •Links work - Cross-references match sitemap
- •Renders correctly - Markdown syntax is valid
Failure Criteria
A page should NOT be written if:
- •Missing more than one required section
- •No evidence sources cited
- •Contains placeholder text (TODO, TBD, etc.)
- •Markdown has syntax errors that break rendering
- •Word count is below minimum for page type
Version: 1.0 Last Updated: 2026-01-22