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Improve Dependabot Option Reference with Embedded Examples
Code of Conduct
- [x] I have read and agree to the GitHub Docs project's Code of Conduct
What article on docs.github.com is affected?
https://docs.github.com/en/code-security/dependabot/working-with-dependabot/dependabot-options-reference
What part(s) of the article would you like to see updated?
Right now, we need to navigate across multiple pages to understand how the different configuration properties work. In some cases, we have dedicated pages for the more advanced options like groups
While the structure is thorough, it can be confusing, especially when we are trying to get up and running quickly.
Because example usage is separated from the property descriptions, it often leads to mistakes when writing a dependabot.yml file. Users need to constantly switch context between various parts of the documentation, and this slows down the on-boarding experience while increasing errors.
To make the documentation easier to use, I suggest embedding small, minimal examples directly in each configuration property. This would provide immediate clarity, particularly for properties with multiple sub-options or more complex usage. Having an example right where the user is reading ready to copy-paste and try would help them understand the intent and apply it correctly without jumping around.
We can still keep the more in-depth articles for further readings for people that need deeper dives.
I recognize that this would be a substantial change to the structure and content of the reference. I’m not proposing we make the change right away, but I would like to open the discussion to see whether this approach could make the documentation more approachable and reduce mistakes for new users.
Thanks!
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On Thu, 11 Dec 2025 at 5:25 am, @.***> wrote:
mdmostakmia433-sys left a comment (github/docs#41781)
Ok
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@yeikel I'm locking this conversation for now because of the ridiculous spam. I haven't done that much on issues, so I'm not clear on whether you can comment as the author, but I'll try unlocking it in a few days to see if the bots have moved on.
Anyway, yes, this is a fairly significant change. I'm not confident about it getting addressed as a one-off if it's not done by someone in open source, but we are also trying to rewrite/regroup our content together into reference material, tutorials, etc., so it's possible this would fit into that goal. Dependabot docs haven't been addressed yet and I don't know when we're planning to do them, but I will bring this up to the rest of the team to see if it could be incorporated when we do rearrange those.
