Originally published on lavkesh.com

I still remember my first on-call rotation vividly. It was a chaotic experience that started with a page at 3am, and I was expected to resolve the issue within an hour. The problem was that I had no idea where to start.

The system was complex, with multiple moving parts and no clear documentation. I had to rely on my colleagues to guide me through the process, but even then, it was a struggle. I was starting to feel like I was in way over my head as the pages kept coming in.

As the week went on, I started to notice a pattern. Most of the issues we were dealing with were not due to faulty code, but rather a lack of understanding of how the system worked. The documentation was sparse, and what little we had was outdated. It was clear that we had a serious problem on our hands.

I spent the rest of the week poring over the system, trying to make sense of it. I wrote notes, drew diagrams, and even created a few scripts to help automate some of the tasks. And as I did, the pages started to slow down, and when they did come in, I was able to resolve them quickly and efficiently.

It was then that I realized the importance of documentation in system design. It's not just about writing code, it's about creating a system that is easy to understand and maintain. It's about anticipating the questions that will be asked, and providing clear and concise answers.

Looking back, that first on-call rotation was a turning point for me. It taught me the value of documentation, and the importance of designing systems that are easy to understand. It's a lesson that I still carry with me today.

Since then, I've made it a point to prioritize documentation in all of my projects. I make sure to write clear and concise notes, and to create diagrams and scripts that help to automate tasks. And I've found that it makes all the difference.

Of course, it's not always easy. There are still times when I find myself struggling to keep up with the demands of being on call. But I know that it's worth it. Every time I'm able to resolve an issue quickly and efficiently, I'm reminded of the importance of documentation.