Documentation Diataxis

Diataxis Classification Review

Scope

Diataxis classification only: identify whether each page is a tutorial, how-to guide, explanation, or reference; note structural mismatches between content type and declared category, and suggest improvements where real issues exist. Ground classification in the Diataxis foundations: the two axes of craft (action vs cognition, acquisition vs application) define four user needs (learning, goals, information, understanding).

This skill identifies flaws and provides actionable recommendations; it does not enforce compliance or apply pass/fail criteria.

Inputs

• Documentation file(s) under review.
• Diataxis framework principles (embedded in classification criteria below).

Actions

1. Identify intended category: Determine the declared category based on directory location (tutorial/, how-to/, explanation/, reference/) and file metadata (front matter keys such as category, type, diataxis, or reST .. meta:: entries).

2. Infer actual category: Analyse the text's structure, tone, and progression to determine which quadrant it actually resembles. Use these classification criteria:

   • Tutorial indicators:

     • Step-by-step progression building a complete project
     • Imperative mood ("Create a file", "Run this command")
     • Learning-focused language ("you will learn", "by the end")
     • Safe, controlled environment (specific versions, no branching)
     • Frequent reassurance and checkpoints
     • Teaches by doing, not explaining

   • How-to guide indicators:

     • Problem-solution format with clear goal
     • Assumes existing knowledge and competence
     • Clearly states prerequisites and applicability scope
     • Action-oriented ("To achieve X, do Y")
     • Flexible, allows for variation
     • Focuses on results, not learning
     • Omits explanations unless critical to success

   • Reference indicators:

     • Descriptive, declarative statements
     • Comprehensive coverage of subject
     • Neutral, technical tone
     • Structured for lookup (tables, lists, alphabetical)
     • Parameters, options, API signatures
     • Accuracy over narrative

   • Explanation indicators:

     • Conceptual focus ("why" and "how it works")
     • Discursive, exploratory tone
     • Comparative analysis
     • Context, background, relationships
     • Illuminates understanding, not action
     • May include history, design decisions, alternatives
     • May contain subjective opinions and personal perspectives

3. Check user need alignment:

   Map the page to the user need implied by the action/cognition and acquisition/application axes (learning, goals, information, understanding).

   • Tutorials: Is it a learning-oriented lesson? Does it build confidence through doing? Is it linear and safe?
   • How-to guides: Is it a task-oriented recipe? Does it help a competent user solve a specific problem? Is it goal-focused?
   • Reference: Is it information-oriented? Does it describe things accurately and completely? Is it structured for lookup?
   • Explanation: Is it understanding-oriented? Does it clarify concepts, context, and relationships? Is it discursive?

4. Note hard-to-fit genres: Some documentation types do not align cleanly with a single quadrant (for example, release notes or contributing guides). Flag these cases explicitly, reference the Diataxis guidance on complex hierarchies (https://diataxis.fr/complex-hierarchies/), and choose the closest fit category for reporting.

5. Evaluate quality:

   • Functional quality: Is the content accurate, complete, consistent, useful, and precise?

     • Missing prerequisites or dependencies
     • Incomplete steps or procedures
     • Inconsistent terminology or naming
     • Outdated information (version mismatches, deprecated features)

   • Deep quality: Does the content have good flow? Does it anticipate user questions? Is the cognitive load appropriate? Is the experience clear?

     • Paragraph length (>4 sentences may suggest need for breaking)
     • Sentence complexity (nested clauses, dense jargon)
     • Transition quality (abrupt topic changes, missing connectives)
     • Progressive disclosure (introducing too much too soon)
     • User journey mapping (gaps in expected flow)

6. Document misalignments: Explicitly identify where the document fails to meet the needs of its category, jumps between categories, or where quality breaks down. For each issue, provide:

   • Specific location (section, paragraph)
   • Nature of the problem
   • Impact on user experience
   • Concrete suggestion for improvement

7. Verify completion: Confirm the analysis completed:

   • Category classification completed (declared vs inferred)
   • User need alignment analyzed
   • Quality assessment performed (functional and deep quality)
   • Misalignments documented with recommendations

   State the completion status:

   • ✓ Diataxis analysis complete: [declared category] → [inferred category], [N] issues found
   • OR ✓ Diataxis analysis complete: Content aligns well with [category]