Why Software Documentation Should Record Decisions, Not Just Describe Code

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A recurring problem in software projects is that documentation is written too late and focuses on how code works rather than why it was built that way. Without recorded reasoning, future developers are left guessing at the intent behind architectural choices, data models, and design trade-offs. This guesswork leads to wasted effort, such as refactoring stable code or preserving complexity that no longer serves a purpose. Even well-structured, readable code cannot capture the product constraints, rejected alternatives, or uncertainties that shaped a given decision. Short decision-focused notes that explain the context behind choices are argued to be far more valuable than exhaustive technical descriptions alone.

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