Why is 'revision' considered essential in technical writing?

Revision is considered essential in technical writing primarily because it ensures clarity, accuracy, and quality. This process involves reviewing and refining the content to enhance the reader's understanding and to ensure that the information presented is correct and complete. Technical writing often deals with complex information that must be conveyed succinctly and clearly. By revisiting the text, a writer can identify areas that may be confusing, ambiguous, or prone to misinterpretation, allowing for necessary adjustments that improve overall communication.

Moreover, accuracy is particularly vital in technical writing, as it often involves guidelines, instructions, or specifications that need to be precise to avoid misapplication or errors. Quality is enhanced through revision, as it allows for polishing the prose, improving sentence structure, and ensuring technical terms are used correctly.

Allowing personal opinions does not contribute to the objectives of technical writing, where objectivity and factual presentations matter most. Likewise, focusing solely on increasing the length of the document or editing graphics does not inherently support the goals of clarity, accuracy, or quality that are critical to effective technical communication.