Tutorial Builder
Overview
Create clear, actionable tutorials that guide readers through complex tasks. Structure content logically with prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, code examples, and troubleshooting tips.
Tutorial Structure
Always include these sections (adapt to the topic):
1. Title and Description
- Clear, descriptive title
- One-sentence summary of what the tutorial covers
- Target audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
- Estimated time to complete
2. Prerequisites
- List required skills, knowledge, or tools
- Include version numbers if applicable
- Add links to prerequisite tutorials or documentation
3. Installation/Setup (if applicable)
- Step-by-step installation instructions
- Include commands with expected output examples
- Address common installation issues
- Verification step to confirm setup worked
4. Core Tutorial Steps
Numbered steps with:
- Clear action verbs ("Create", "Configure", "Deploy")
- Command examples with prompts (
$ for user commands, # for root)
- Code blocks with syntax highlighting notes
- Explanation of what each step does and why
- Expected outputs or results
5. Examples and Use Cases
- Real-world examples
- Variations and common modifications
- Integration examples with other tools
6. Troubleshooting
- Common errors and solutions
- Debugging tips
- Where to get help (forums, docs, community)
7. Next Steps
- Recommended follow-up tutorials
- Advanced topics to explore
- Related resources
Writing Guidelines
Tone and Style
- Be direct and concise. Avoid filler words.
- Assume the reader is smart but unfamiliar with the topic.
- Explain the "why" behind steps, not just the "how."
- Use consistent terminology throughout.
Code and Commands
- Show the complete command, not fragments.
- Include prompts (
$, #, >) to distinguish command types.
- Add comments for complex commands (
# comment).
- Show expected output when it helps verify success.
Examples
# Install the package
$ npm install package-name
# Verify installation
$ package-name --version
v1.2.3
# Configure settings in config.yaml
database:
host: localhost
port: 5432
Formatting
- Use bold for key commands, file names, and important terms
- Use
code for inline code, variables, and short commands
- Use blockquotes for warnings or notes:
Note: This step requires sudo privileges.
- Use numbered lists for sequential steps
- Use bullet points for non-sequential items
Common Patterns
For Software Installation
- Check for existing installation
- Download or clone
- Install with package manager or build from source
- Configure if needed
- Verify installation
- Add to PATH if required
For Configuration Tasks
- Locate configuration file
- Backup existing configuration
- Edit with specific settings
- Validate configuration
- Reload or restart service
- Test configuration
For Development Workflows
- Set up development environment
- Create project structure
- Write initial code/templates
- Test basic functionality
- Add features incrementally
- Document and commit
Quality Checklist
Before finalizing a tutorial, verify:
Output Format
Deliver the tutorial in a format matching the user's preference:
- Markdown (default) - for documentation sites, Git repos, wikis
- Plain text - for simple documentation
- HTML - if creating web content
Ask the user if they have a preferred output format if not specified.