Spent more time writing documentation than writing code

For the past several weeks, I’ve spent more time writing documentation than writing code.

The development work for a WordPress XML feed project was completed early, but the project became stuck in an endless documentation and evidence cycle. Every answer generated new requests for additional screenshots, logs, timestamps, headers, test evidence, architecture notes, and acceptance clarifications.

Documentation is important. Good documentation protects both the client and the developer. But there is a point where documentation stops supporting delivery and starts replacing it.

One lesson I’ve learned is to define documentation boundaries before development begins:
• What evidence will be required for acceptance?
• How many review rounds are included?
• What constitutes a completed deliverable?
• When does additional documentation become a separate milestone?

As developers, we often assume that once the software works, we’re almost finished. In reality, some projects can spend more time in review than in implementation.

Going forward, I’ll be including documentation scope and acceptance criteria as part of every proposal. It helps keep expectations clear, protects project timelines, and ensures both sides stay focused on delivering value rather than creating endless paperwork.

Every project teaches something. This one reinforced that good project management is just as important as good code.

#WordPress #SoftwareDevelopment #Freelancing #XML #API #ProjectManagement #Documentation #WebDevelopment