User Guide

1. Introduction

The Documentation Module provides an in-application knowledge base where users can browse, search, and read Markdown-based documentation organized by tabs and documents. It is designed to work seamlessly without full page reloads while keeping the browser URL in sync.

This guide explains how to navigate and use the documentation module effectively.

2. Accessing the Documentation

Navigate to /documentation from the application. The documentation opens with:

• A sidebar containing tabs and documents for easy navigation
• A main content area for reading documentation
• A search bar for finding specific content across all documents

3. Getting Started

When you first open the documentation module:

• The first available tab is automatically selected
• The first document under that tab is loaded and displayed
• The selected tab and document are visually highlighted in the sidebar
• The URL updates to reflect your current location

This ensures you always see relevant content, even when accessing the documentation without a specific URL.

4. Navigating Tabs

4.1 Switching Between Tabs

Tabs represent different categories or sections of documentation and are displayed in the sidebar.

To switch tabs:

1. Click on any tab name in the sidebar
2. The tab expands to show its documents
3. The first document in that tab loads automatically
4. The URL updates to reflect your selection

4.2 Empty Tabs

• Some tabs may not contain any documents
• These tabs will display an informational message
• You can still select them and navigate to other tabs normally

5. Navigating Documents

5.1 Opening Documents

Documents are listed under their respective tabs in the sidebar.

To open a document:

1. Click on any document name in the sidebar
2. The document content loads instantly without a page reload
3. The selected document is highlighted in the sidebar
4. The URL updates to include the document reference

5.2 Understanding Document Hierarchy

Some documents are organized in a parent-child structure:

• Parent documents can contain multiple child documents
• Child documents appear indented under their parent
• You can expand or collapse parent documents by clicking the toggle icon
• Clicking any document (parent or child) loads its specific content

Example hierarchy:

📄 Installation (parent)
   📄 Windows Setup (child)
   📄 Mac Setup (child)
   📄 Linux Setup (child)

6. Direct URL Navigation

You can navigate directly to specific documentation using URLs. The documentation module supports these URL patterns:

Important Notes:

• URLs work for both parent and child documents using the same pattern
• If an invalid tab or document is requested, the system automatically redirects to valid content
• You can bookmark any document URL for quick access later
• URLs are shareable with other users

7. Using Browser Controls

The documentation module works seamlessly with standard browser controls:

• Refresh (F5 or Ctrl+R): Reloads the current document
• Back button: Returns to the previously viewed document
• Forward button: Moves forward to the next document (if you went back)
• Bookmarks: Save any documentation URL for quick access

All navigation is handled smoothly without full page reloads, making browsing fast and efficient.

8. Searching Documentation

The search feature helps you quickly find information across all documentation.

8.1 How to Search

1. Locate the search box at the top of the documentation
2. Type your search term (minimum 3 characters)
3. Results appear automatically as you type
4. Click any result to open that document

8.2 Search Results

Each search result shows:

• Document title: The name of the document
• Content snippet: A preview of the matching text
• Location: Which tab the document belongs to

8.3 Search Tips

• Use specific keywords for better results
• Try different search terms if you don't find what you're looking for
• Search is case-insensitive
• Clear the search box to return to normal navigation

9. Understanding Access Levels

Some documentation may have restricted access based on your permissions:

• Public documentation: Accessible to all users
• Restricted documentation: Only visible if you have the appropriate permissions

What you'll see:

• Tabs and documents you don't have access to won't appear in your sidebar
• If you try to access a restricted document via URL, you'll be redirected to accessible content
• Search results only include documents you have permission to view

10. Reading Documentation

10.1 Content Display

Documentation is written in Markdown format and displays with:

• Formatted headings and text
• Code blocks with syntax highlighting
• Tables and lists
• Links to other documents or external resources
• Images and diagrams (where applicable)

10.2 Navigation Within Documents

• Headings: Use the document's heading structure to navigate long content
• Links: Click internal links to navigate to related documents
• Scroll: Standard scrolling works throughout the content area

11. Best Practices

To get the most out of the documentation module:

• Use search when you know what you're looking for
• Browse tabs when exploring related topics
• Bookmark frequently used documents for quick access
• Use the browser back button to retrace your steps
• Share URLs with colleagues to point them to specific information

12. Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Document not loading:

• Check your internet connection
• Refresh the page
• Try accessing a different document first

Search not working:

• Ensure you've entered at least 3 characters
• Try different search terms
• Clear the search box and try again

Can't find a document:

• Check if you're looking in the correct tab
• Use the search feature to locate it
• Verify you have permission to access it

URL not working:

• Verify the URL is complete and correct
• The document may have been moved or removed
• The system will redirect you to valid content

13. Summary

The Documentation Module provides:

• Easy navigation through tabs and documents without page reloads
• Smart URL handling that keeps your browser in sync
• Powerful search to find information quickly
• Clear visual feedback showing your current location
• Reliable performance with automatic fallbacks for invalid links
• Permission-aware content showing only what you can access

This makes it an efficient and reliable tool for accessing your organization's knowledge base.

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues not covered in this guide or have questions about the documentation content, please contact your system administrator or support team.