A readme is a short written document that is distributed with a piece of software.The Read me files contain important information about the software, including installation instructions, contact information, licensing information and acknowledgements.Software distribution is dependent on learning how to write a read me.A bad read me file can be frustrating, confusing, or bore your user, while an effective one can provide them with the basic facts about your program quickly.
Step 1: There is a list of contact information.
The most important part of the read me is this.Users can contact you in order to suggest features, ask questions, or make payments for the software.Use just a few lines to include the company's name, website, email address, and phone number.This might be an example of a contact section.
Step 2: The date should be included in your read me.
This is a very important step.The year in which the software was distributed is important.If the date is not recent, this will alert users to a newer version or make sure the application is still supported.
Step 3: Please include your software's name, version, and pricing information.
The application's name and version number can be found near the top of the read me file.There is a line with the price for the full version.If you distribute the software using a CD, you can keep the pricing information because the user has already paid for it.
Step 4: In a brief, compelling manner, describe the software.
A brief description of the program can be included.An example would be: "This application determines the user's mood by logging their actions online, then alters the desktop environment to suit this mood."The description of your software application can be expanded into a paragraph or more.Bulleted lists could be used to enumerate the program's features.
Step 5: Provide installation requirements for your program.
Information about system requirements and installation instructions should be included in a read me file.Mention that if another piece of software is needed to run the program.Information about expected resource usage can be included.
Step 6: You should include any licensing information.
Make sure to give the copyright date and software licensing agreement for the program.