Document vs. Documentation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
A Document is a tangible or electronic record containing information, while Documentation is the organized collection of documents that provide support or evidence
Key Differences
A Document and Documentation hold close relevance, yet distinctively differ in their applications and implications. A Document represents a single unit of recorded information, either in tangible form like paper or in an electronic format. It serves to communicate, store, or provide evidence or information. In contrast, Documentation is the collective term that refers to a set or system of documents that are brought together to support, evidence, or elaborate on a specific subject or concept.
Diving deeper, a Document can be an official paper, a legal contract, a letter, or any recorded information serving a purpose. It is a concrete or virtual representation of information that can be referenced, analyzed, or used as proof. Meanwhile, Documentation encapsulates a broader spectrum and often entails an organized, comprehensive compilation of multiple documents that serve to clarify, verify, instruct, or explain processes, systems, or products.
The value of a Document is often in its ability to convey specific information or prove a point, being a stand-alone entity that has significance in various contexts, be it legal, academic, or professional. Documentation, however, leverages the collective strength of multiple documents, focusing on providing a detailed, thorough understanding or verification, often employed in technical fields, legal proceedings, or academic research to provide clarity and comprehensive insight.
In many settings, a Document is created to record individual pieces of information, transactions, or communications, holding its merit in specificity and conciseness. Documentation, conversely, is constructed with the intention of detailing, instructing, or explaining, and it necessitates the inclusion of multiple documents, each contributing to the coherence and completeness of the information provided.
To sum up, a Document is a singular entity, a recorded piece of information valuable in its specificity and conciseness, whereas Documentation is the aggregation and organization of multiple documents, emphasizing thoroughness, detail, and comprehensive insight into a subject or process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A tangible or electronic record containing specific information.
An organized collection of documents providing support or evidence.
Scope
Singular, specific.
Collective, comprehensive.
Purpose
To inform, evidence, or record individual data points.
To detail, instruct, or clarify through multiple documents.
Form
Can be a single file, page, or piece.
Compilation or systematization of various documents.
Application
Legal contracts, academic papers, official reports.
Technical manuals, legal case files, research compilations.
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Document and Documentation Definitions
Document
A file containing data, information, or instructions.
The document was saved in multiple formats.
Documentation
Written or drawn representation that explains or details a set of procedures or processes.
The equipment came with user documentation for assembly and operation.
Document
A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence.
The legal team reviewed the document meticulously.
Documentation
The process of classifying, recording, and organizing information in a systematic manner.
Proper documentation is crucial for successful project management.
Document
A written or drawn representation of thoughts, plans, or proposals.
The architect drafted the document with precision.
Documentation
A set of documents provided on paper or online or other writing.
The software comes with comprehensive documentation.
Document
A written or printed paper that bears the original, official, or legal form of something and can be used to furnish decisive evidence or information.
Documentation
Something transposed from a thought to a document; the written account of an idea.
Document
Something, such as a recording or a photograph, that can be used to furnish evidence or information.
Documentation
Material that provides official information or evidence about a subject.
The legal documentation was exhaustive and detailed.
Document
A writing that contains information.
Documentation
The act or an instance of the supplying of documents or supporting references or records.
Document
(Computers) A piece of work created with an application, as with a word processor.
Documentation
The documents or references so supplied.
Document
(Computers) A computer file that is not an executable file and contains data for use by applications.
Documentation
The collation, synopsizing, and coding of printed material for future reference.
Document
Something, especially a material substance such as a coin bearing a revealing symbol or mark, that serves as proof or evidence.
Documentation
(Computers) The organized collection of records that describe the structure, purpose, operation, maintenance, and data requirements for a computer program, operating system, or hardware device.
Document
To furnish with a document or documents.
Documentation
Documentary evidence and sources.
Document
To methodically record the details of
"I had thought long and logically about ... how to document the patterns of dolphin behavior" (Diana Reiss).
Documentation
Documents that explain the operation of a particular machine or software program.
Document
To support (an assertion or claim, for example) with evidence or decisive information.
Documentation
(programming) Comments that explain the usage of individual functions, libraries and blocks of code.
Document
To support (statements in a book, for example) with written references or citations; annotate.
Documentation
(NNSE) A documentary.
Document
An original or official paper used as the basis, proof, or support of anything else, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information pertinent to such proof or support.
Documentation
Confirmation that some fact or statement is true
Document
Any material substance on which the information is represented by writing.
Documentation
Program listings or technical manuals describing the operation and use of programs
Document
(computing) A file that contains text.
Documentation
Documentary validation;
His documentation of the results was excellent
The strongest support for this this view is the work of Jones
Document
(obsolete) That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Documentation
The act of supplying documents or supporting references or records.
Documentation of sources enhances the credibility of the research.
Document
(obsolete) An example for instruction or warning.
Document
To record in documents.
He documented each step of the process as he did it, which was good when the investigation occurred.
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information.
A ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
Document
That which is taught or authoritatively set forth; precept; instruction; dogma.
Learners should not be too much crowded with a heap or multitude of documents or ideas at one time.
Document
An example for instruction or warning.
They were forth with stoned to death, as a document to others.
Document
An original or official paper relied upon as the basis, proof, or support of anything else; - in its most extended sense, including any writing, book, or other instrument conveying information in the case; any material substance on which the thoughts of men are represented by any species of conventional mark or symbol.
Saint Luke . . . collected them from such documents and testimonies as he . . . judged to be authentic.
Document
To teach; to school.
I am finely documented by my own daughter.
Document
To furnish with documents or papers necessary to establish facts or give information; as, a a ship should be documented according to the directions of law.
Document
Writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
Document
Anything serving as a representation of a person's thinking by means of symbolic marks
Document
A written account of ownership or obligation
Document
(computer science) a computer file that contains text (and possibly formatting instructions) using 7-bit ASCII characters
Document
Record in detail;
The parents documented every step of their child's development
Document
Support or supply with references;
Can you document your claims?
Document
An official paper that serves as a record or contract.
The agreement was formalized in a legal document.
Document
To record details, events, or processes in writing or other medium.
Scientists document their research findings thoroughly.
FAQs
Is a Document a single unit of information?
Yes, a document represents a single unit of recorded information.
Does Documentation refer to a collection of documents?
Yes, documentation is the organized collection of documents.
Is creating a Document necessary for recording individual data points?
Yes, creating a document is essential for recording specific information or individual data points.
Can a Document be electronic or paper-based?
Yes, a document can be either electronic or tangible like paper.
Is Documentation essential for explaining processes or systems?
Yes, documentation is crucial for detailing, instructing, and explaining processes or systems.
Can a Document be an official paper or contract?
Yes, a document can be an official paper, contract, or any recorded information serving a purpose.
Can a Document serve as legal evidence?
Yes, a document can serve as legal evidence or a record.
Does Documentation provide comprehensive insight into a subject?
Yes, documentation provides a thorough understanding and insight into a specific subject or concept.
Is Documentation more extensive than a Document?
Yes, documentation is broader and more extensive as it comprises multiple documents.
Does the value of a Document lie in its specificity and conciseness?
Yes, the value of a document is in its ability to convey specific information concisely.
Can Documentation be used for instructional purposes?
Yes, documentation can be used to instruct, detail, or clarify through multiple documents.
Is proper Documentation crucial for project management?
Yes, proper documentation is vital for successful project management.
Can Documentation be considered a systematic way to organize information?
Yes, documentation is the process of classifying, recording, and organizing information systematically.
Is a Document created to communicate or store information?
Yes, a document is created to communicate, store, or provide evidence of information.
Does every Document contribute to the coherence and completeness of Documentation?
Yes, each document within documentation contributes to its coherence and comprehensive insight.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
