Composition Documentation

Composition documentation explains how to combine design system components to create complex interfaces. This documentation moves beyond individual components to show how pieces work together. Effective composition documentation bridges the gap between component library and complete application interfaces.

What Is Composition Documentation

Composition documentation describes patterns and practices for combining multiple components. This includes nesting components within each other, coordinating component state across compositions, and building complex features from simpler elements. Documentation shows not just that components can combine but how to combine them effectively.

Composition represents how teams actually build interfaces. Individual buttons, inputs, and cards are valuable, but applications require these elements working together. Composition documentation addresses this integration layer that component documentation alone cannot cover.

How Composition Documentation Works

Composition patterns document common combinations. A form composition might combine input components, label components, validation components, and button components with specific arrangements and behaviors. Documentation shows the pattern, explains the rationale, and provides implementation guidance.

Composition examples demonstrate patterns in realistic contexts. Rather than abstract combinations, examples show compositions solving actual interface needs. Complete code examples enable developers to adapt patterns for their specific requirements.

Composition constraints explain which combinations work well and which to avoid. Some component combinations create accessibility issues, visual conflicts, or behavioral problems. Documenting these constraints prevents teams from discovering problems through trial and error.

Key Considerations

• Common composition patterns should be documented with complete examples
• Realistic contexts help developers understand pattern application
• Constraints should explain problematic combinations to avoid
• State coordination across composed components needs explicit documentation

Common Questions

How does composition documentation relate to pattern documentation?

Composition documentation and pattern documentation overlap significantly. Pattern documentation often describes compositions, showing how components combine to solve problems. Composition documentation may take a component-centric view, showing how a specific component combines with others. Some teams use these terms interchangeably. The key distinction is focus: patterns emphasize problems and solutions while composition emphasizes component relationships and assembly techniques.

How do teams document state management across composed components?

State management in compositions warrants dedicated documentation. Patterns for lifting state to parent components, using context providers, or employing state management libraries need explanation. Documentation should show how state flows through compositions and how component events coordinate. Examples demonstrating state synchronization between related components, like filter controls updating data displays, illustrate these patterns practically.

Summary

Composition documentation explains how to combine components to create complex interfaces. Effective documentation includes composition patterns, realistic examples, and constraint documentation. This content bridges individual component documentation and complete application interface development.