Technical Writing, a form of technical communication, is a style of formal writing and business communication, used in fields as diverse as computer hardware and software, chemistry, the aerospace industry, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology. Good technical writing clarifies technical jargon; that is, it presents useful information that is clear and easy to understand for the intended audience.
#27757
A functional specification (or sometimes functional specifications) is a formal document used to describe in detail for software developers a product's intended capabilities, appearance, and interactions with users. The functional specification is a kind of guideline and continuing reference point as the developers write the programming code. (At least one major product development group used a "Write the manual first" approach. Before the product existed, they wrote the user's guide for a word processing system, then declared that the user's guide was the functional specification. The developers were challenged to create a product that matched what the user's guide described.) Typically, the functional specification for an application program with a series of interactive windows and dialogs with a user would show the visual appearance of the user interface and describe each of the possible user input actions and the program response actions. A functional specification may also contain formal descriptions of user tasks, dependencies on other products, and usability criteria. Many companies have a guide for developers that describes what topics any product's functional specification should contain.
Whatis.com. Articles>Writing>Specifications>Functional Specifications
#27760
Functional Specification and Review 
The Functional Specification is created after the Software Requirements Document. It provides more detail on selected items originally described in the Software Requirements Document. Some software development organizations combine these two documents into a single document.
Electric Power Research Institute. Articles>Writing>Specifications>Functional Specifications
#27761
Functional Specification Standard 
In general terms, the functional specification states what the proposed system is to do, whereas design is how the system is to be constructed to meet the functional specification. However in writing it, some consideration of design issues must take place, to ensure a realistic system is specified.
Software Reality. Articles>Writing>Specifications>Functional Specifications
#27763
Functional Specification Template
An outline/template for a project's functional specification.
O'Connor, Rory. Dublin City University (2004). Resources>Writing>Specifications>Functional Specifications
#10077
The Fundamentals of Persuasive Writing
What are the characteristics that make copy effective? Why does one ad make a lasting impression and sell merchandise, while another falls flat and doesn’t generate enough revenue to pay its own cost? Virtually all persuasive copy contains the eight elements described in this article.
#26842
The Future of Technical Writing in India
It is not surprising that India will have to go through the process of creating academic programs in the field and you all are the evidence that this is happening.
Pathak, Pratul. TWIN. Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>India
#23139
The Future of Technical Writing in India 
Technical Writing in India has experienced explosive growth in business volumes as a result of outsourcing. 75 writers based in India are registered with the STC. Estimated 2,500- to 3,000-strong workforce.
Biswas, Nilanjana. STC India (2003). Presentations>Writing>Outsourcing>India
#23898
A portal to a free editorial style manual, annotated directory of writing Web sites, concise writing guide, writing forum and writing bookshelf.
#25005
Gender-Free Legal Writing: Managing the Personal Pronouns
Where a statement of any complexity is made about a person, the maker of the statement may face decisions about how further references should be framed.
Close, Arthur. British Columbia Law Institute (1984). Reference>Writing>Legal>Grammar
#20472
One of the most significant changes taking place in English is the rejection of the way that 'man' was assumed to include 'woman'. Most of us want our writing to be friendly and inclusive. How can we avoid using 'man', 'he', and 'his'?
#22132
Gender-Neutral Technical Writing
In recurring discussions on the TECHWR-L list, many technical writers argue that they write in 'correct English' and are not going to change their style just to suit the political-correctness police. 'I won't use 'they' as a singular pronoun because it's not grammatically correct' and 'Using contrived phrases such as 's/he' is just too awkward' are arguments I've heard frequently in the debate. But using 'incorrect English' or contrived phrases is neither the goal nor the outcome of gender-neutral writing.
Hollis Weber, Jean. Technical Editors Eyrie (2002). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Gender
#18650
Gender-Neutral Technical Writing
Gender-neutral writing uses language that does not stereotype either sex nor appear to be referring to only one sex when that is not the writer's intention. In this article, you'll see why gender-neutral writing is important for technical writers to use, what gender-neutral writing is not, and how you can use gender-neutral writing in the documents you develop.
Weber, Jean Hollis. STC Northeast Ohio (2002). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Gender
#13363
Gender-Neutral Technical Writing
Gender-neutral writing uses language that does not stereotype either sex nor appear to be referring to only one sex when that is not the writer's intention. In this article, you'll see why gender-neutral writing is important for technical writers to use, what gender-neutral writing is not, and how you can use gender-neutral writing in the documents you develop.
Weber, Jean Hollis. TECHWR-L (2002). Articles>Writing>Style Guides>Gender
#24128
Some general writing tips to get your writing started.
Lloyd, Ginny. GaryConroy.com (2002). Articles>Writing
#28350
Gentle Reader, Stay Awhile; I Will Be Faithful
Every opening paragraph is the beginning of a delicate and transient relationship between reader and writer. This relationship begins quietly, usually without much fanfare--and if it's properly initiated, the reader doesn't even know it's happening. Yet the success of this relationship is an important factor in creating an enjoyable, engaging experience for the reader. This is especially true on the web where author credibility can be difficult to establish, and where, increasingly, readers have so many choices that separating the chaff from the wheat can be a daunting process.
Simmons, Amber. List Apart, A (2006). Design>Web Design>Writing>Rhetoric
#25594
Geography of the Blogosphere: Representing the Culture, Ecology and Community of Weblogs
Maps of any aspect of the Internet call for different approaches than traditional cartography for two reasons. First, any attempt to map the Internet using the Internet as a medium changes the thing it sets out to represent. Second, Internet maps are more than pictures of static—or at least relatively slow moving—features but are representations of ever changing systems of relationships. The blogosphere is an example of explosive growth in the number and complexity of interrelationship and community made possible by the Internet.
Packwood, Nicholas. Into the Blogosphere (2004). Articles>Writing>Environmental>Blogging
#30117
George Saunders: Taking Technical Writing into the World of Fiction 
For George Saunders, recipient of a MacArthur Grant and former technical writer, years working on reports and proposals proved to be excellent training for creative writing.
Moran, Tom. Intercom (2007). Articles>Interviews>Writing>Technical Writing
#30362
Try to rid your writing, especially business writing, of unnecessary words. They take up space, look impressive only to naive readers, and say nothing.
Leigh, Heather. Crazy for Words (2007). Articles>Writing>Technical Writing>Minimalism
#28144
Get That "One Thing" Into Your Web Page Headline
If you are presenting a risk-free trial of something...get that message into your headline. This may sound obvious, but while we were testing various offer pages, it became clear that the winning pages all had headlines which were focused on the offer, and were very much reader and benefit centered.
Usborne, Nick. Excess Voice (2006). Articles>Web Design>Writing
#21404
Getting a Technical Writing Job, Even If You Have No Experience
Technical writing jobs can be hard to get if you have little or no experience. But there are things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired.
#27790
Getting Off the Starting Block: Practical Tips to Starting a White Paper
Why are white papers so hard to write? Simply put, they require effort. Effort makes us sweat. Just the thought of working hard causes some people's blood to percolate.
Stelzner, Michael A. WhitePaperSource (2006). Articles>Writing>Rhetoric>White Papers
#27759
Getting Real, Step 1: No Functional Spec
Don't write a functional specifications document. Why? Well, there's nothing functional about a functional specifications document.
Fried, Jason. Signal vs. Noise (2005). Articles>Writing>Specifications>Functional Specifications
#14138
Getting Started in Technical Writing
This summary provides a collection of tips and advice for getting started in the technical writing profession. The following categories are included in this summary: Finding and Getting That First Job; Types of Technical Writing; Types of Technical Writers; Degrees and Technical Writing; Transferring to Technical Writing from Other Professions: From Journalism; From Teaching; From Academia; From Marketing; From Law; Essential Skills; On Being a Technical Writer.
#30767
Getting Started with Graphics for an Enriching User Experience
Good web design does not necessarily mean good use of colors and layouts, but it does transcend beyond it. Design elements like color, font, size, frame, etc. play an important role nonetheless, but what is more important is that how it affects the aesthetic sensibilities of the users. The warmth and the feel of the web site, or in another words, the texture of the web site is a crucial area to turn our attention to. By texture of the web site what it means is the subtleties of the surface of the web site. Varied aspects as discussed in this article, when sensibly used -- and in combination with good deign skills aimed at creating intuitive appeal -- are of definite help of when it comes to developing engaging graphics on your web site.
Rahbre Azam. Amateur Writerz (2008). Articles>User Experience>Technical Writing>Graphic Design
#23159
Getting the Right Tone to Your Business Letter
When you write a business letter, it's important to use a tone that is friendly but efficient. Readers want to know there’s someone at the other end of the letter who is taking notice and showing interest in their concerns. Try to sound—and be—helpful and friendly.
Business Letter Writing. Articles>Writing>Correspondence>Business Communication
