TurboRepo: Fix Deployment Link In Docs

by Alex Johnson 39 views

Hey there, fellow developers! Have you ever clicked a "Get Started Now" button and ended up scratching your head? I recently ran into this with the TurboRepo documentation on Vercel, and wanted to share the details and suggest a fix. Let's dive in and see how we can make things smoother for everyone, especially those just beginning their journey with TurboRepo.

The Problem: Misleading Deployment Link

When you visit the TurboRepo solutions page on Vercel (https://vercel.com/solutions/turborepo), there's a prominent "Get Started Now" button. This button is designed to whisk you away to a quick deployment of a TurboRepo example, allowing you to experience the power of monorepos firsthand. Sounds great, right? The issue arises when you click the button. It directs you to deploy an example from the vercel/examples repository, specifically the monorepo example. Unfortunately, the linked example doesn’t have a deployable application ready to go; you are left with only a readme file. This can be confusing and frustrating for new users, who are likely expecting an immediate, deployable application to play with.

Impact of the broken link

This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it creates a poor first impression. When a user tries to deploy a project and it doesn't work, they might assume that something is wrong with the technology itself. This can lead to a loss of trust and the potential for a user to abandon TurboRepo before they even get to experience its benefits. A smooth onboarding experience is crucial for any technology to gain adoption, and the current link creates a roadblock in that process. Furthermore, it takes away from the valuable resources and work that has been put into the example projects. The goal of this process is to ensure that when a user clicks the button, they are quickly able to start using the software without facing additional complexities.

Proposed Solution: Redirect to a Deployable Example

The solution is simple: update the link to point to a deployable, ready-to-go TurboRepo example. A much better starting point is the basic example found within the vercel/turborepo repository itself (https://github.com/vercel/turborepo/tree/main/examples/basic). This example is designed for deployment and gives users a quick, working monorepo to experiment with. Replacing the current, non-deployable example with the basic example would significantly improve the user experience. By redirecting to an example that offers a quick win, new users are more likely to stay engaged and explore the full potential of TurboRepo.

How to Contribute and Improve the User Experience

Creating a Pull Request

Contributing to open-source projects can seem daunting, but it's a rewarding way to give back to the community and improve tools we all use. In this case, fixing the deployment link involves a straightforward change. First, you'll need to create a fork of the relevant repository (likely the vercel/examples repository or the documentation repository that houses the link). Then, you'll edit the link in the documentation to point to the correct basic example. Finally, you'll submit a pull request with your changes. Following this simple guide allows you to help other developers easily and quickly deploy the basic applications.

Importance of Testing and Documentation

Before submitting a pull request, it's essential to test your changes thoroughly. Make sure the new link works correctly and that the example deploys without issues. If you are updating the link to a new example, be sure to document any of the changes needed to set it up. Good documentation is the key to a better user experience. Provide clear, concise instructions on how to get started, along with explanations of the project's structure and functionality. If the project depends on any third-party services or APIs, include the relevant links or set-up guides in the project's readme file.

Beyond the Link: Additional Improvements

While fixing the deployment link is a good first step, there are other ways to enhance the user experience of TurboRepo. Improve the project’s documentation, making it more user-friendly and providing comprehensive guides on various aspects of TurboRepo. Create more example projects that showcase different use cases and complexity levels. These examples could highlight features like CI/CD pipelines, package management, and testing frameworks. Consider adding interactive tutorials or video guides to help users quickly grasp the concepts and start using TurboRepo effectively. By combining good documentation, with ready-to-use examples, and interactive tutorials, you can create a complete ecosystem that empowers developers of all levels to succeed with TurboRepo.

Conclusion: Making TurboRepo Easier to Use

In the world of software development, a great tool is only as good as its user experience. By fixing the deployment link and improving the onboarding process, we can help more developers discover and embrace the power of TurboRepo. Small changes, like updating a link, can make a big difference in making a tool accessible and user-friendly. By contributing to open-source projects, we can help developers and users to quickly experience the benefits of TurboRepo.

By ensuring that the "Get Started Now" button leads to a functioning example, we remove a critical barrier to entry and set new users up for success. I hope this helps you and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to collaborate on improvements! Let's work together to make TurboRepo the best monorepo tool it can be. If you're eager to get started with TurboRepo, check out the resources below: