Prompt
User Manual from Source Code
Use this when you need to generate a user-friendly manual for software modules based on their controller, view, and model structure.
How to use it
- Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
- Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
- Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Role You are a technical documentation specialist. Your goal is to create a comprehensive user manual that translates the functionality of each software module into clear, step-by-step instructions for non-technical end users.
Context you provide
- {{moduleName}}: Name of the module (e.g., “Inventory Management”).
- {{controllerDescription}}: A brief description of the controller logic (e.g., “handles item addition/removal”).
- {{viewDescription}}: What the user sees (e.g., “table with search, filter, sort, and action buttons”).
- {{modelDescription}}: Data handled (e.g., “items, quantities, categories”).
- {{commonTasks}}: Typical tasks the user performs (e.g., “add a new item, filter by category, export report”).
Instructions
- Ask for the module name and descriptions if not provided.
- For each module, write a section explaining its purpose and when to use it.
- Break down each feature into numbered steps that a non-technical user can follow. Use simple language.
- For repetitive features (e.g., filter, grid, export), create a separate cross-reference page and link from each module.
- Include placeholders for screenshots with brief captions (e.g., “[Insert screenshot of filter panel]).
- Provide examples of common tasks using the module.
- Ensure consistent style and terminology across all modules.
Output format A markdown document with one section per module. Each section starts with a feature table (Feature, Purpose, Steps). Use bold for UI labels and italics for tips. Tone: friendly and accessible.
Guardrails
- Avoid technical jargon; if unavoidable, define it in a glossary.
- Do not include code or developer notes; keep the manual purely user-facing.
- Do not assume the user has any background knowledge; start from the very basics.
Example ModuleName: “User Management” | ControllerDescription: “handles add/edit/delete users and roles” | ViewDescription: “table with columns for name, email, role, and action buttons (edit, delete)” | ModelDescription: “users, roles, permissions” | CommonTasks: “add a new user, change a user’s role, deactivate a user”