As a modern-day learner, you might have noticed that learning about web development has become much more accessible. The internet has brought a wealth of information to our fingertips. We can learn just about anything we want with a few clicks.
However, with this convenience comes a paradox of choice. There is often too much information to choose from.
When you want to learn about a particular web development topic, you may wonder which path to take. Should you read a blog post about it or dive into the developer documentation? In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between the two and help you decide which one to choose.
Web Development Blog Post vs. Developer Documentation
First, let’s define what we mean by a blog post and developer documentation. A blog post is an informal article written in a conversational tone that aims to educate, entertain or inform readers about a particular topic. It is usually written by an individual or a group of individuals and may offer a unique perspective or point of view on a topic.
Web developer documentation, on the other hand, is a technical document that provides detailed information about a product or service. It’s usually written by the product creators or developers and is intended to help users understand how to use the product or service effectively.
So, when should you read a blog post versus the developer documentation? Well, it depends on your goal and the information you need.
When to Read a Blog Post
If you are looking for insights or best practices from WordPress development experts who have used the product or service, blog posts can be a valuable resource. Blog posts are usually written by professionals who have hands-on experience with the technology and can provide real-world examples and advice on how to use it effectively.
Also, blog posts are ideal when you’re looking for a general understanding of a web development topic or want to learn from someone’s personal experience. For example, if you’re interested in learning about the benefits of Headless WordPress, a blog post could offer you some personal insights into how Headless WordPress has helped the author’s clients. Or, if you’re interested in learning about an alternative way to debug React, a blog post written by a senior backend engineer could give you some valuable insights and tips.
Benefits of Reading a Blog Post
Blog posts can be an excellent way to get started on a web development topic, and they’re often written in a more conversational tone, making them easier to understand. They can also be a great way to learn about a topic from someone who has experienced it first-hand, which can make the learning experience more relatable and engaging.
In our software world, blog posts can also be an excellent source of information for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the software industry. For example, if you are interested in learning about a new programming language or framework, reading blog posts from experts in the field can help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.
I want to give you an example of some blog posts about one of our flagship products, the Custom Post Type UI Plugin, this type of article allows you to stay up to date on the latest news about this product from another’s point of view person or expert:
- The History of Custom Post Type UI
- Custom Post Type UI Supports WPGraphQL
- How to Create WordPress Custom Post Types With Plugin
When to Read Developer Documentation
Documentation, on the other hand, is ideal when you need specific information about a product or service. If you’re figuring out how to use a new technology or software, documentation is the best place to start.
Designed to be technical and comprehensive, developer documentation provides everything you need to know in one place. This includes the features, functions, and capabilities of that product or service.
Documentation can be particularly useful when you’re trying to troubleshoot or need to understand a specific feature or functionality. It’s also helpful when you’re looking for step-by-step instructions.
Developer documentation is typically written by the software vendor or publisher, so it is generally reliable and updated. It also covers all the essential topics and features of the product or service. This ensures you have a good foundation to build upon.
Based on the blog post example above, here is the documentation of the same product.
Conclusion
When choosing between a web development blog post and developer documentation, it’s important to consider your goal. A blog post is the way to go if you are looking for:
- General Information
- Expert or Personal Insights
- Real-World Examples
- The Latest Industry Trends
If you need specific information or step-by-step instructions, developer documentation is the way to go.
It’s worth noting that both blog posts and documentation can be valuable learning tools, depending on your needs. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your learning style and goals.
