Guidelines for documentation of computer programs and automated data systems for the initiation phase
United States · 1979
The Federal Information Processing Standards Publication Series of the National Bureau of Standards is the official publication relating to standards adopted and promulgated under the provisions of Public Law 89-306 (Brooks Bill) and under Part 6 of Title 15, Code of Federal Regulations.These legislative and executive mandates have given the Secretary of Commerce important responsibilities for improving the utilization and management of computers and automatic data processing systems in the Federal Government.To carry out the Secretary's respon¬ sibilities, the NBS, through its Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology, provides leadership, technical guid¬ ance, and coordination of government efforts in the development of technical guidelines and standards in these areas.In October 1974, the Comptroller General of the United States in a report to the Congress noted that "adequate documentation of computer programs is clearly an essential element of efficient and economical use of computer systems."Good documentation should provide information to support the effective management of ADP resources and to facilitate the interchange of information.The NBS is pleased to make these Guidelines for Documentation of Computer Programs and Automated Data Systems for the Initiation Phase available for use by Federal agencies in establishing and evaluating documentation practices.