caduh

Writing a README Your Coworkers Will Actually Appreciate

3 min read

A practical, skimmable template (with explanations) so your README answers the real questions: What is this? How do I run it, test it, deploy it, and debug it—today.

TL;DR

  • A good README is the front door to your project. It should let a new dev clone → run → test in minutes.
  • Optimize for scanability: short sections, copy‑paste commands, links for depth.
  • Include the Golden Path (quick start), how it’s built (arch at a glance), how it ships, and how to get help.
  • Treat it as docs‑as‑code: small PRs, owners, CI link checks, and a calendar reminder to review.

The Gold‑Standard README (copy‑paste template)

Save as README.md. Replace UPPER_CASE placeholders. Comments explain why a section matters; keep them or remove before committing.

# PROJECT_NAME
_One‑liner: who is this for and what problem it solves._

<!-- Why: sets context in under 10 seconds -->

[![Build Status](CI_BADGE_URL)](CI_LINK) [![License: MIT](LICENSE_BADGE)](LICENSE_LINK)

## Table of Contents
- [Quick Start](#quick-start) · [Configuration](#configuration) · [Architecture](#architecture)
- [API](#api) · [Running Tests](#running-tests) · [Deploy](#deploy)
- [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting) · [Observability](#observability)
- [Contributing](#contributing) · [Security](#security) · [Maintainers](#maintainers)

## Quick Start
<!-- Why: unblocks a new dev immediately -->
**Prereqs:** Node LTS, Docker, Make

```bash
git clone GIT_URL && cd REPO
cp .env.example .env             # edit values if needed
make up                          # or: docker compose up -d
make seed                        # optional
make dev                         # start dev server
open http://localhost:3000

Configuration

  • Env file: .env (do not commit). Template in .env.example.
  • Important variables:
    • DATABASE_URL – Postgres connection string
    • REDIS_URL – Cache
    • PORT – default 3000
  • Validation happens at boot (see src/config.ts).

Architecture

At a glance: Diagram

  • Tech: Node, Postgres, Redis, NATS
  • Key modules: api/, worker/, web/
  • Data flow: API → Queue → Worker → DB
  • Decisions: see ADRs.

API

  • OpenAPI: openapi.yaml
  • Base URL: http://localhost:3000/api
  • Example: 
    curl -H "Authorization: Bearer TOKEN" http://localhost:3000/api/health

Running Tests

make test          # unit
make test:e2e      # end-to-end
make lint          # style checks

Deploy

  • Envs: dev, staging, prod
  • CI/CD: GitHub Actions → Docker Registry → Kubernetes
  • Rollout: blue/green via apps/deploy.yaml
  • Secrets via External Secrets; see docs/deploy.md

Observability

  • Logs: JSON to stdout; view in Grafana Loki
  • Metrics: Prometheus at /metrics; Grafana dashboard link
  • Traces: OpenTelemetry → Tempo

Troubleshooting

  • Can’t connect to DB? Ensure Docker is running; docker ps.
  • Migrations failing? make migrate-reset
  • Auth 401? Check JWT_SECRET in .env matches staging.

Contributing

  • Branching: trunk‑based; small PRs
  • Commits: Conventional Commits (feat:, fix:)
  • Code style: Prettier/ESLint; pre‑commit hooks
  • Issue labels: good first issue, help wanted

Security

  • Report vulnerabilities to SECURITY_EMAIL (no public issues).
  • Dependabot alerts enabled; run make audit locally.

Maintainers

  • Owner: @TEAM_HANDLE
  • On‑call: #channel (business hours)
  • License: MIT (see LICENSE)

---

## Why each section exists (and how to keep it useful)

- **One‑liner:** sets audience and value prop; prevents mis‑use.  
- **Quick Start:** the **Golden Path**—fastest way to see it run. Copy‑paste is key.  
- **Configuration:** prevents “works on my machine”. List envs and **how to validate them**.  
- **Architecture:** reduces onboarding time and risky changes. A small diagram beats prose.  
- **API:** links to source of truth (OpenAPI/GraphQL schema). Keep examples curl‑ready.  
- **Tests:** shows how to run them and what “green” means.  
- **Deploy:** removes tribal knowledge; makes handovers possible.  
- **Observability:** short list of **where to look** when things break.  
- **Troubleshooting:** top 5 real failure modes with exact commands.  
- **Contributing:** answers “how do I propose changes?” in one screen.  
- **Security:** how to report, what’s scanned, what to avoid.  
- **Maintainers:** who owns it; how to get help.

---

## Library vs Service: minimal variations

- **Libraries**: swap **Deploy/Observability** for **Installation/Usage** and **Versioning**. Include a small **code example** and **SemVer** policy.  
- **Services**: keep Deploy/Observability/Troubleshooting; add **Runbook** link for on‑call.

**Library snippet**
```md
## Installation
npm i @org/pkg

## Usage
```ts
import { foo } from "@org/pkg";
foo("bar");


---

## Keep it fresh (process, not heroics)

- Assign an **owner** (CODEOWNERS).  
- Add a **docs check** in CI (link checker, `README` lint).  
- Calendar **quarterly review**; PR small updates often.  
- Prefer links to living docs (OpenAPI, dashboards) over copy‑pasted tables that rot.

---

## Quick checklist

- [ ] New dev can **clone → run → test** inside 10 minutes.  
- [ ] README covers **config**, **arch**, **deploy**, **help**.  
- [ ] Commands are **copy‑pasteable** and **current**.  
- [ ] Links to **API spec**, **dashboards**, **runbooks** work.  
- [ ] Clear **ownership** and **security contact**.

---

## One‑minute adoption plan

1) Paste the template. Fill **one‑liner** and **Quick Start** first.  
2) Add the **diagram** and link to **OpenAPI**/**GraphQL**.  
3) Write **Troubleshooting** from actual incidents.  
4) Set **CODEOWNERS** and a quarterly reminder to review.  
5) Add CI link checks; merge and keep it evolving.

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