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diff --git a/docs/contributing/contributing-documentation.md b/docs/contributing/contributing-documentation.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..44be922 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/contributing/contributing-documentation.md @@ -0,0 +1,109 @@ +<!-- +title: "Contributing to documentation" +description: "Want to contribute to Netdata's documentation? This guide will set you up with the tools to help others learn about health and performance monitoring." +custom_edit_url: https://github.com/netdata/netdata/edit/master/docs/contributing/contributing-documentation.md +--> + +# Contributing to documentation + +We welcome contributions to Netdata's already extensive documentation. + +We store documentation related to the open-source Netdata Agent inside of the [`netdata/netdata` +repository](https://github.com/netdata/netdata) on GitHub. Documentation related to Netdata Cloud is stored in a private +repository and is not currently open to community contributions. + +The Netdata team aggregates and publishes all documentation at [learn.netdata.cloud](https://learn.netdata.cloud/) using +[Docusaurus](https://v2.docusaurus.io/) in a private GitHub repository. + +## Before you get started + +Anyone interested in contributing to documentation should first read the [Netdata style +guide](/docs/contributing/style-guide.md) and the [Netdata Community Code of Conduct](/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md). + +Netdata's documentation uses Markdown syntax. If you're not familiar with Markdown, read the [Mastering +Markdown](https://guides.github.com/features/mastering-markdown/) guide from GitHub for the basics on creating +paragraphs, styled text, lists, tables, and more. + +### Netdata's documentation structure + +Netdata's documentation is separated into four sections. + +- **Netdata**: Documents based on the actions users want to take, and solutions to their problems, such both the Netdata + Agent and Netdata Cloud. + - Stored in various subfolders of the [`/docs` folder](https://github.com/netdata/netdata/tree/master/docs) within the + `netdata/netdata` repository: `/docs/collect`, `/docs/configure`, `/docs/export`, `/docs/get`, `/docs/monitor`, + `/docs/overview`, `/docs/quickstart`, `/docs/store`, and `/docs/visualize`. + - Published at [`https://learn.netdata.cloud/docs`](https://learn.netdata.cloud/docs). +- **Netdata Agent reference**: Reference documentation for the open-source Netdata Agent. + - Stored in various `.md` files within the `netdata/netdata` repository alongside the code responsible for that + feature. For example, the database engine's reference documentation is at `/database/engine/README.md`. + - Published at [`https://learn.netdata.cloud/docs/agent`](https://learn.netdata.cloud/docs/agent). +- **Netdata Cloud reference**: Reference documentation for the closed-source Netdata Cloud web application. + - Stored in a private GitHub repository and not editable by the community. + - Published at [`https://learn.netdata.cloud/docs/cloud`](https://learn.netdata.cloud/docs/cloud). +- **Guides**: Solutions-based articles for users who want instructions on completing a specific complex task using the + Netdata Agent and/or Netdata Cloud. + - Stored in the [`/docs/guides` folder](https://github.com/netdata/netdata/tree/master/docs/guides) within the + `netdata/netdata` repository. Organized into subfolders that roughly correlate with the core Netdata documentation. + - Published at [`https://learn.netdata.cloud/guides`](https://learn.netdata.cloud/guides). + +Generally speaking, if you want to contribute to the reference documentation for a specific Netdata Agent feature, find +the appropriate `.md` file co-located with that feature. If you want to contribute documentation that spans features or +products, or has no direct correlation with the existing directory structure, place it in the `/docs` folder within +`netdata/netdata`. + +## How to contribute + +The easiest way to contribute to Netdata's documentation is to edit a file directly on GitHub. This is perfect for small +fixes to a single document, such as fixing a typo or clarifying a confusing sentence. + +Click on the **Edit this page** button on any published document on [Netdata Learn](https://learn.netdata.cloud). Each +page has two of these buttons: One beneath the table of contents, and another at the end of the document, which take you +to GitHub's code editor. Make your suggested changes, keeping [Netdata style guide](/docs/contributing/style-guide.md) +in mind, and use *Preview changes** button to ensure your Markdown syntax works as expected. + +Under the **Commit changes** header, write descriptive title for your requested change. Click the **Commit changes** +button to initiate your pull request (PR). + +Jump down to our instructions on [PRs](#making-a-pull-request) for your next steps. + +### Edit locally + +Editing documentation locally is the preferred method for complex changes that span multiple documents or change the +documentation's style or structure. + +Create a fork of the Netdata Agent repository by visit the [Netdata repository](https://github.com/netdata/netdata) and +clicking on the **Fork** button. + + + +GitHub will ask you where you want to clone the repository. When finished, you end up at the index of your forked +Netdata Agent repository. Clone your fork to your local machine: + +```bash +git clone https://github.com/YOUR-GITHUB-USERNAME/netdata.git +``` + +Create a new branch using `git checkout -b BRANCH-NAME`. Use your favorite text editor to make your changes, keeping the +[Netdata style guide](/docs/contributing/style-guide.md) in mind. Add, commit, and push changes to your fork. When +you're finished, visit the [Netdata Agent Pull requests](https://github.com/netdata/netdata/pulls) to create a new pull +request based on the changes you made in the new branch of your fork. + +## Making a pull request + +Pull requests (PRs) should be concise and informative. See our [PR guidelines](/CONTRIBUTING.md#pr-guidelines) for +specifics. + +- The title must follow the [imperative mood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperative_mood) and be no more than ~50 + characters. +- The description should explain what was changed and why. Verify that you tested any code or processes that you are + trying to change. + +The Netdata team will review your PR and assesses it for correctness, conciseness, and overall quality. We may point to +specific sections and ask for additional information or other fixes. + +After merging your PR, the Netdata team rebuilds the [documentation site](https://learn.netdata.cloud) to publish the +changed documentation. + +[](<>) |