Frontend Component Documentation Pattern

Overview

This guide provides a standardized approach for documenting React components in the Aitana Labs frontend project. Following this pattern ensures consistency, completeness, and integration with the automated documentation system.

Quick Reference Pattern

For any new React component, create documentation following this structure:

# Component Name Usage

## Overview
Brief description of what the component does and when to use it.

## Backend Integration
How the component integrates with backend services (if applicable).

## Component Features
List of key features and capabilities.

## Props Interface
TypeScript interface documentation with examples.

## Usage Examples
Practical examples showing real-world usage.

## Related Documentation
Links to related components, workflows, and integration guides.

Complete Pattern Explanation

1. File Naming and Location

File Location: docs/features/COMPONENT_NAME_USAGE.md Naming Convention: COMPONENT_NAME_USAGE.md (follow CAPS_WITH_UNDERSCORES) Index Update: Add to docs/README.md after creation

2. Component Overview Section

Start with a clear, concise overview:

## Overview
The `ComponentName` React component provides [specific functionality] for [use case]. 
It [key behavior] and integrates with [related systems].

Example from Tool Confirmation component:

## Overview
The `ToolConfirmation` React component provides an interactive UI for users to review 
and modify tool configurations chosen by the assistant before execution.

3. Backend Integration (if applicable)

Document how the component connects to backend services:

## Backend Integration

### Pydantic Model Structure
Show the backend models this component works with:

### API Integration
Document API calls, endpoints, and data flow.

### Data Flow
Explain how data moves from backend to component and back.

4. TypeScript Interface Documentation

Always include the complete TypeScript interfaces:

// Component props interface
interface ComponentProps {
  // Each prop with clear description
  config: ToolConfiguration;  // Configuration object from backend
  onChange: (config: ToolConfiguration) => void;  // Callback for changes
  isLoading?: boolean;  // Optional loading state
}

// Related interfaces (if custom to this component)
interface CustomDataType {
  field: string;
  value: any;
}

5. Usage Examples Section

Include practical, copy-paste ready examples:

## Usage Examples

### Basic Usage
\`\`\`tsx
import { ComponentName } from './ComponentName';

function ParentComponent() {
  return (
    <ComponentName 
      config={toolConfig}
      onChange={handleConfigChange}
    />
  );
}
\`\`\`

### Advanced Usage with Backend Integration
\`\`\`tsx
// Show more complex integration scenarios
\`\`\`

6. Component Features

List the key features and capabilities:

## Component Features

- **Feature 1**: Description of what it does
- **Feature 2**: Description with technical details
- **Integration**: How it connects to other systems
- **Validation**: What validation it provides

Connect to the broader documentation ecosystem:

## Related Documentation

### Documentation Workflow Integration
- [Documentation Workflows Hub](/development/DOCUMENTATION_WORKFLOWS_HUB.html)
- [Component Documentation Patterns](/development/DOCUMENTATION_WORKFLOWS_HUB.html#documenting-a-new-react-component)

### Development Integration
- [Development Documentation Index](/development/)
- [API Integration Guides](/development/BACKEND_API_HOWTO.html)

### Testing and Quality
- [Testing Documentation](../testing/)
- [Frontend Coverage Setup](/development/FRONTEND_COVERAGE_SETUP.html)

### Related Components
- [Similar Component 1](OTHER_COMPONENT_USAGE.md)
- [System Integration](/development/VAC_SERVICE_ARCHITECTURE.html)

Integration with Documentation Automation

Stub File Creation

When starting a new component, create a stub file first:

# Create stub file for documentation automation
cat > docs/features/NEW_COMPONENT_USAGE.md << 'EOF'
# New Component Usage

STUB: This component needs comprehensive documentation

## Overview
TODO: Add component overview and purpose

## Backend Integration  
PLACEHOLDER: Document backend integration patterns

## Usage Examples
MISSING_EXAMPLE: Add practical usage examples

## Component Features
IMPORTANT: Document key features and capabilities
EOF

Automation Benefits

Following this pattern enables:

  • Automatic Detection: Stub files are detected by documentation workflows
  • Quality Monitoring: Documentation quality is tracked automatically
  • Cross-Reference Validation: Links between components are validated
  • Update Notifications: Changes to components trigger documentation update suggestions

Complete Example: Tool Confirmation Component

The Tool Confirmation Usage documentation follows this pattern and serves as a reference implementation:

What It Does Well

✅ Clear TypeScript interfaces that match backend Pydantic models
✅ Practical usage examples with real code snippets
✅ Backend integration details showing API patterns
✅ Comprehensive feature list with technical details
✅ Related documentation links connecting to broader ecosystem

Pattern Elements Demonstrated

  • Component overview with specific use case
  • Backend Pydantic model integration
  • Step-by-step usage examples
  • Feature documentation with technical details
  • Cross-references to related documentation

Testing Integration

Component Testing Documentation

Include testing guidance in your component documentation:

## Testing

### Unit Tests
- Test component rendering with different props
- Test user interactions and callbacks
- Test error handling and edge cases

### Integration Tests  
- Test backend integration scenarios
- Test data flow and state management
- Test component interaction with other components

### Testing Files
- `src/components/__tests__/ComponentName.test.tsx`
- `src/components/__tests__/ComponentName.integration.test.tsx`

Quality Guidelines

Documentation Quality Markers

Use these markers to help the automation system:

  • IMPROVEMENT: - Mark sections that need enhancement
  • MISSING_EXAMPLE: - Flag areas that need code examples
  • SIMPLIFY: - Identify overly complex sections
  • OUTDATED: - Mark content that may be stale

Content Quality Standards

✅ Do:

  • Use clear, practical examples from the actual codebase
  • Include TypeScript interfaces and type information
  • Connect to related components and systems
  • Provide troubleshooting information
  • Keep examples up-to-date and tested

❌ Don’t:

  • Document implementation details that change frequently
  • Create examples that don’t work in practice
  • Duplicate information from other documentation
  • Use overly technical language without explanation

Integration with Broader System

How This Pattern Fits

This documentation pattern integrates with:

Workflow Integration

  1. Create stub file with appropriate markers
  2. Automation detects stub and creates issue
  3. Complete documentation following this pattern
  4. Automation validates and closes issue
  5. Quality monitoring continues for ongoing maintenance

Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Pitfall 1: Outdated Examples

Problem: Code examples that don’t match current implementation
Solution: Link examples to actual code files when possible, use automation to flag outdated content

Pitfall 2: Missing Backend Integration

Problem: Frontend components documented in isolation
Solution: Always include backend integration section, even if just to note “No backend integration”

Pitfall 3: Inadequate Cross-Referencing

Problem: Components documented without connections to related systems
Solution: Always include “Related Documentation” section with relevant links

Pitfall 4: Overly Technical Focus

Problem: Documentation that focuses on implementation rather than usage
Solution: Lead with practical examples, keep implementation details to minimum necessary

Core Documentation System

Pattern Examples

Development Guidelines

This pattern ensures consistent, high-quality component documentation that integrates seamlessly with the automated documentation system and provides maximum value to developers.