When preparing a pull request with new code, updating documentation often gets delayed until review comments point out what is missing. A simple three-step check before opening the pull request keeps docs accurate and saves review cycles.
1. Test every code example against the new changes
Code snippets in README files and docs folders get outdated quickly when function signatures or configuration options change. Copy every command or snippet directly from the doc into a clean terminal or test script to confirm it runs without errors.
2. Check changed environment variables and configuration flags
If your pull request introduces, renames, or deprecates an environment variable or setting, verify that your configuration table lists the default value, whether it is required, and what happens when it is omitted.
3. Review the troubleshooting steps for common failure modes
When introducing new setup steps or dependencies, note the error message that appears if a step is skipped. Adding two lines showing the expected failure message and the direct fix helps teammates resolve onboarding issues without asking in chat.
Running through these three checks takes about five minutes and prevents documentation drift before code merges into main.
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