Version Specific Docs

Version specific documentation provides content matched to particular design system versions. When documentation varies between versions, consumers need access to information matching their installed version. Version-specific docs prevent confusion from outdated or premature information.

What Is Version Specific Documentation

Version specific documentation maintains separate content for different design system versions. Rather than a single “current” documentation site, version-specific docs allow consumers to select their version and see matching content. This approach acknowledges that not all consumers run the latest version.

Version-specific docs are particularly important when APIs, components, or behaviors change between versions. Consumers on older versions seeing documentation for features they do not have causes confusion. Consumers on newer versions missing documentation for new features impedes adoption.

How Version Specific Documentation Works

Version-specific docs require infrastructure for maintaining multiple versions, mechanisms for consumers to select versions, and processes for creating documentation with each release.

Infrastructure maintains multiple documentation versions. Documentation platforms like Docusaurus, GitBook, or VuePress support version management. Each version has its own content that can be maintained independently.

Version selection lets consumers choose their version. Dropdown menus, URL paths, or other selectors switch between versions. The default might be the latest version with clear indication that older versions are available.

Content creation produces documentation for each release. New releases require creating a new documentation version. Content from the previous version provides the starting point, with updates for changes.

Content maintenance keeps versions accurate. Bug fixes to documentation can apply to multiple versions. Corrections should propagate to affected versions.

Key Considerations

• Maintain documentation for all supported versions
• Provide clear version selection in the UI
• Default to latest version while making others accessible
• Archive documentation for unsupported versions appropriately
• Consider search implications of multiple versions

Common Questions

How many documentation versions should be maintained?

Documentation versions should match supported design system versions. The answer depends on support policy and consumer needs.

Active versions deserve full documentation. Versions receiving active development or maintenance support need complete, accurate documentation. Consumers on these versions should find everything they need.

Deprecated versions need minimal maintenance. Versions in deprecation period might receive only critical documentation fixes. New content is not added; existing content is preserved.

Unsupported versions may be archived or removed. Documentation for versions past end-of-life might be archived with clear indication of unsupported status. Alternatively, it might be removed to prevent confusion.

Practical limits may apply. Maintaining many versions consumes effort. If consumers rarely access old versions, archiving rather than active maintenance is appropriate.

How should version selection be designed?

Version selection UX affects whether consumers find appropriate content. Several design patterns work well.

Dropdown selectors provide compact version choice. A dropdown in the header or sidebar shows the current version and allows switching. This is space-efficient and familiar.

Prominent latest indicators help consumers know when they are viewing older content. Banners or badges on non-latest versions help consumers understand context.

Direct links work for specific needs. URLs containing version information let consumers link to specific versions. This supports sharing and bookmarking.

Search scope awareness prevents confusion. Search results from other versions can confuse. Scoping search to the selected version or clearly labeling results by version helps.

Persistent selection remembers consumer choice. If a consumer selects version 4.x, navigating within the site should maintain that selection. Unexpected version switches frustrate consumers.

Summary

Version specific documentation provides content matched to particular design system versions. Infrastructure supporting multiple versions, clear version selection, and appropriate maintenance help consumers find accurate information. Documentation versions should align with supported design system versions.