Technical writing

Technical writing is the writing of technical content, particularly relating to industrial and other applied sciences, with an emphasis on occupational contexts.^[1] The range of audiences for technical writing varies widely. By far, the most common form of technical writing is for procedural documentation (standardized, step-by-step guides). Procedural documentation is used in all types of manufacturing to explain user, assembly and installation instructions. In the software industry, procedural documents are also commonly used to describe user operations and installations. In some cases, technical writing may be written for experts or technicians and include specialized information (e.g., white papers, industry articles and academic papers).^[2] In most cases, however, technical writers help convey complex scientific or niche subjects to end users in "laymen's" terms. Modern technical writing relies on simple terms and short sentences, rather than detailed explanations with unnecessary information like pronouns, abstract words and/or unfamiliar acronyms.^[3] Technical writing is recognized as the largest segment of the technical communication field.^[4]

Examples of fields requiring technical writing include computer hardware and software, architecture, engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, medical, consumer electronics, biotechnology, and forestry.