Eddie Jaoude on GitHub Stars and MDX documentation
Jan 4, 2024
auto_awesome
Eddie Jaoude, GitHub star and founder of EddieHub, discusses the value of collaboration in open source, the importance of treating documentation as code, the benefits of using MDX for documentation, and the future of documentation with chatbots.
Collaboration and consistent contributions are essential for being recognized as a GitHub Star and adding value to the community.
MDX brings familiarity and joy to React documentation, allowing for more interactive and code-like user experiences.
Deep dives
GitHub Stars and the Importance of Collaboration
Eddie Joud, a GitHub star, discusses the significance of GitHub Stars program and how it recognizes collaboration and adding value to the open-source community. He shares his own journey as a GitHub star and highlights the importance of consistent contributions rather than a one-off burst of activity. Eddie encourages people to nominate each other and collaborate consistently over time. He emphasizes that collaboration, in the form of discussions, documentation, and code changes, is crucial for any real-world project, be it open source or private.
MDX and Its Impact on Documentation
Eddie Joud delves into the benefits of MDX for React projects' documentation. He explains how MDX, which combines Markdown and JSX, allows for more interactive and code-like documentation. Eddie underlines that MDX brings familiarity and joy to the documentation process, making it more exciting for developers. He gives examples of using MDX to enhance code blocks, add interactive components, and create a synergy between the project and its documentation. Eddie emphasizes the value of having up-to-date and user-friendly documentation to improve the developer experience.
Making Documentation a Priority
Eddie Joud underscores the importance of prioritizing documentation in software development projects. He advocates for treating documentation as code and an integral part of the definition of done. Eddie shares insights from his experience working in diverse teams, where shared ownership and collaboration were emphasized. He encourages smaller teams, even in early-stage startups, to make documentation a tactical priority and start with minimal documentation that can be iteratively improved. Eddie believes that even in small teams, having small and up-to-date documentation adds significant value to the overall project.
Balancing MDX Customization
When incorporating MDX into documentation, Eddie Joud advises developers not to get too caught up in customizing the design on day one. He recommends doing a light touch across multiple pages instead of spending excessive time on one page. Eddie explains that MDX's component-based approach allows for easy customization in one place, which replicates across the entire documentation. He suggests prioritizing content and functionality before delving into extensive design customization. Eddie advises developers to learn along the way and make changes as needed to optimize the documentation experience.
Eddie Jaoude, open-source GitHub star, educator, and founder of EddieHub, joined us to talk about what it means to be a GitHub Star, open source, and why MDX is a game changer for React documentation.
Follow us on Apple Podcasts, fill out this form, and we’ll send you free PodRocket stickers!
What does LogRocket do?
LogRocket combines frontend monitoring, product analytics, and session replay to help software teams deliver the ideal product experience. Try LogRocket for free today.
Special Guest: Eddie Jaoude.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode