I'm a 60-year-old freelance instructional designer/developer who has been bitten by the technical-writing bug. I'm just starting to explore the tech-writing career possibilities and have a question.
I live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, where software documentation apparently is a big market. In one of the message strings on About.com, Jeff Hanley and you were exchanging comments. He said that for software documentation you need to "know" programming languages.
I know you started out as a programmer. How in depth does a technical writer's knowledge of programming languages have to be? Years ago I wrote some programs in "Basic," and I've used the "Open Script" programming language in Toolbook Instructor (e-learning authoring), but I don't consider myself a programmer.
Looking forward to hearing your ideas on this issue.
Regards,
Bill Browning
Hi Bill,
Thanks for looking me up. Jeff and I agree on that particular subject. I too came from a programmer background then went into tech writing. It's important when you're interviewing software developers and other kinds of programmers as well as getting a grip on how the product is put together and what makes certain options do what they do.
I think you have the basics of computer fundamentals by knowing and using Basic and some script. That's an excellent start. The programming knowledge helps you to understand how computers work and how programs are called.
If I were you, I might purchase a "beginner's manual" or one of the "for Dummies" books on some of the more current programming languages just to get a basic understanding. These books will be very easy to read and learn. If you feel a little rusty in your computer fundamentals, taking a course at your local community college might help you.
VB, C++, Java are the top 3 programming languages.. not sure if a lot of stuff is using VB, but it might be worth your while.
I wish you lots of luck in your Techwriting endeavors. If you have any further questions, I'd be happy to help.
Good Luck.
Vicki
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