MPAS Documentation Website

[phoban01]

Enhancement of MPAS Documentation and Tooling for Better Clarity and Usability

Part of open-component-model/ocm-project#52

Summary

This issue addresses the need for improved documentation and tooling within the MPAS project to aid users in understanding and utilizing the system more effectively. The documentation should be comprehensive, covering various aspects of the system, including configuration files, component versions, and their interactions.

Detailed Description

1. Enhanced Configuration File Documentation:

   • Add detailed comments in configuration files explaining different sections and their interrelations.
   • Clarify the process of transforming component.yaml into a component version with a different schema and its final representation in the target system with local artifacts.
   • Provide examples and explanations for actions in the configuration files (e.g., config.yaml line 55).

2. Comprehensive Component Descriptions:

   • Elaborate on what elements and resources need to be added in the componentfile.yaml, including software artifacts (Docker images, Helm Charts), configuration templates, GitOps config, and documentation.
   • Describe the transformation of component version YAML in the OCT registry and the final component descriptor in the target environment.

3. Centralized Documentation in MPAS Repositories:

   • Move explanations to a central place in the MPAS repositories for better accessibility and understanding of MPAS's functionality from both provider and consumer perspectives.

4. Specific File Explanations:

   • Provide detailed descriptions for configuration defaults, rules, schema, localization, and file mappings.
   • Explain the role of CUE in transformation processes.
   • Clarify how files in the src/flux directory are templates for transformation and not direct Flux applications.
   • Detail the packaging of files in src/charts and contrast it with direct references.

5. Tooling Enhancement Suggestions:

   • Develop a command within the MPAS CLI to assist software producers in constructing and verifying MPAS-compliant components.
   • Aim for a guided flow in the CLI to reduce the frequency of consulting documentation for product authors.

Proposed Solution

• Develop a dedicated mdBook style documentation site for MPAS.
• Separate advanced usage details from basic operational demonstrations.
• Include "explainer" articles to clarify resource transformations for localization and configuration.
• Consider feedback from members like @morri-son and @phoban01 for practical insights and implementation.

Additional Notes

This enhancement seeks to make the MPAS system more user-friendly and intuitive, especially for new users or those working on complex implementations.

[phoban01]

docs site created here: https://open-component-model.github.io/MPAS/