Technical writing is any written form of writing or drafting technical communication used in technical and occupational fields, such as computer hardware and software, engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, medical, consumer electronics, biotechnology and forestry. It encompasses the largest sub-field within technical communication.[1]
The Society for Technical Communication defines technical communication as any form of communication that exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: "(1) communicating about technical or specialized topics, such as computer applications, medical procedures, or environmental regulations; (2) communicating through printed documents or technology, such as web pages, help files, or social media sites; or (3) providing instructions about how to do something, regardless of the task's technical nature
Technical writing is performed by a technical writer (or technical author) and is the process of writing and sharing information in a professional setting.[3]:4 A technical writer's primary task is to convey information to another person or party in the most clear and effective manner possible.[3]:4 The information that technical writers convey is often complex, and it is one of their main tasks to analyze the information and present it in a format that is easy to read and understand.[3]:12–14A good technical writer needs strong writing and communication skills. They do not only convey information through text, and must be proficient with computers as well. They use a wide range of programs to create and edit illustrations, diagramming programs to create visual aids, and document processors to design, create, and format documents.[4]
While commonly associated with online help and user manuals, technical writing covers a wide range of genres and technologies. Press releases, memos, business proposals, datasheets, product descriptions and specifications, white papers, résumés, and job applications are but a few examples of documents that are considered forms of technical writing.
