Documentation vs. Document — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Documentation refers to a collection or system of documents, while a document is a single written, printed, or electronic record. Both relate to preserving information.
Difference Between Documentation and Document
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Documentation encompasses a set or system of documents that work collectively. These can be manuals, user guides, or any set of records that, when considered as a whole, provide comprehensive information about a topic or product. On the other hand, a document stands as a singular entity, which can be a piece of paper, an electronic file, or any record containing information.
When one refers to documentation, it might suggest a compilation of information that covers various aspects of a subject. For instance, software documentation could include installation guides, user manuals, and troubleshooting instructions. In contrast, mentioning a document usually points towards a singular item. This might be just the user manual or the installation guide, but not both.
It's essential to understand that documentation usually has a broader scope, providing a holistic view of a subject. This is why businesses maintain documentation for processes, ensuring every facet is covered. A document, however, plays its role within that broader scope, standing as a single piece of the larger puzzle.
In many legal or official scenarios, the term document is employed to indicate a particular record that bears significance, like a birth certificate or a deed. Documentation, in such contexts, might refer to all the records associated with a case or a person, encompassing various individual documents.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Collection or system of documents.
A single written, printed, or electronic record.
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Function
Provides comprehensive information on a topic.
Contains specific information on its own.
Representation
Holistic overview.
Singular entity.
Usage in Context
Reference material like manuals or guides.
Specific records like certificates or deeds.
Multiplicity
Multiple.
Singular.
Compare with Definitions
Documentation
Materials that provide a historical record.
The museum has documentation of the town's early years.
Document
To record the details of an event or process.
It's essential to document any changes made to the project.
Documentation
The process of classifying and recording information.
Documentation of the research is crucial for its validation.
Document
A written, printed, or electronic record that provides information or evidence.
The contract is a vital document for both parties.
Documentation
Documentation is any communicable material that is used to describe, explain or instruct regarding some attributes of an object, system or procedure, such as its parts, assembly, installation, maintenance and use. Documentation can be provided on paper, online, or on digital or analog media, such as audio tape or CDs.
Document
An official paper or form that serves as evidence or information.
Her birth certificate is an important document.
Documentation
The act or an instance of the supplying of documents or supporting references or records.
Document
A document is a written, drawn, presented, or memorialized representation of thought, often the manifestation of non-fictional, as well as fictional, content. The word originates from the Latin Documentum, which denotes a "teaching" or "lesson": the verb doceō denotes "to teach".
Documentation
The documents or references so supplied.
Document
A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record.
Documentation
The collation, synopsizing, and coding of printed material for future reference.
Document
Record (something) in written, photographic, or other form
The photographer spent years documenting the lives of miners
Documentation
(Computers) The organized collection of records that describe the structure, purpose, operation, maintenance, and data requirements for a computer program, operating system, or hardware device.
Document
A written or printed paper that bears the original, official, or legal form of something and can be used to furnish decisive evidence or information.
Documentation
Something transposed from a thought to a document; the written account of an idea.
Document
Something, such as a recording or a photograph, that can be used to furnish evidence or information.
Documentation
Documentary evidence and sources.
Document
A writing that contains information.
Documentation
Documents that explain the operation of a particular machine or software program.
Document
(Computers) A piece of work created with an application, as with a word processor.
Documentation
(programming) Comments that explain the usage of individual functions, libraries and blocks of code.
Document
(Computers) A computer file that is not an executable file and contains data for use by applications.
Documentation
(NNSE) A documentary.
Document
Something, especially a material substance such as a coin bearing a revealing symbol or mark, that serves as proof or evidence.
Documentation
Confirmation that some fact or statement is true
Document
To furnish with a document or documents.
Documentation
Program listings or technical manuals describing the operation and use of programs
Document
To methodically record the details of
"I had thought long and logically about ... how to document the patterns of dolphin behavior" (Diana Reiss).
Documentation
Documentary validation;
His documentation of the results was excellent
The strongest support for this this view is the work of Jones
Document
To support (an assertion or claim, for example) with evidence or decisive information.
Documentation
A set of documents related to a particular subject, system, or product.
The software came with thorough documentation to assist users.
Document
To support (statements in a book, for example) with written references or citations; annotate.
Documentation
Evidence or proof through records.
Proper documentation is required for the claim process.
Document
An original or official paper used as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support.
Documentation
Manuals, guides, and references that support a product.
The new equipment has excellent documentation for beginners.
Document
Any material substance on which the information is represented by writing.
Document
(computing) A file that contains text.
Document
(obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Document
(obsolete) An example for instruction or warning.
Document
To record in documents.
He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information.
A ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
Document
That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.
Document
An example for instruction or warning.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others.
Document
An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; - in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic.
Document
To teach; to school.
I am finely documented by my own daughter.
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
Document
Writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
Document
Anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
Document
A written account of ownership or obligation
Document
(computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using 7-bit ASCII characters
Document
Record in detail;
The parents documented every step of their child's development
Document
Support or supply with references;
Can you document your claims?
Document
Something used to represent proof or verification.
The photo was a document of their happy times.
Document
A file or record in electronic format.
I saved the report as a document on my computer.
Common Curiosities
Do software developers use documentation?
Yes, developers use documentation to understand systems, while a code document might explain individual functions.
Is documentation always physical?
No, documentation can be digital, like online manuals, while a document can be a digital file.
What's the primary difference between documentation and a document?
Documentation refers to a collection of documents, while a document is a single record.
Can a single document be considered documentation?
Not typically; documentation implies a collection, while a document is singular.
How is documentation used in IT?
IT documentation includes system setups, user guides, and troubleshooting tips. Each document provides specific instructions.
What's the importance of documentation in research?
Documentation ensures that research methods and results are recorded, allowing others to verify and replicate. Each document in it provides specific details.
Can a picture be a document?
Yes, a picture can serve as a document if it provides evidence or records an event.
Is a novel a document?
Yes, a novel is a document as it records a story or information.
What's the relationship between documentation and training?
Documentation can serve as training material for new employees. Each document in it provides specific guidance.
Can a video serve as a document?
Yes, a video can be a document if it captures evidence or records events.
What is the purpose of documentation in software?
Documentation assists users and developers in understanding and using software effectively. Each document offers particular insights.
Is a passport a document or documentation?
A passport is a document. If you include all travel papers, they collectively become documentation.
Why is documentation vital for businesses?
Documentation ensures processes are standardized and knowledge is preserved. Each document aids in specific tasks or references.
Are digital files considered documents?
Yes, digital files, whether texts, images, or videos, are forms of document.
Can an email be considered a document?
Yes, an email is a document as it records communication between parties.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
