<!--
title: Consistent documentation formatting
domain: cloud-infra
topic: Code Style
language: Other
source: hashicorp/terraform
updated: 2025-05-19
url: https://awesomereviewers.com/reviewers/terraform-consistent-documentation-formatting/
-->

Maintain consistent style in documentation files to improve readability and professionalism. Specifically:

1. **Command references**: Use a consistent format when referring to CLI commands. Prefer either:
   - The explicit format: "The `terraform fmt` command" (includes both "The" and "command")
   - The concise format: "`terraform fmt`:" followed by a description

2. **Punctuation in lists**: Follow consistent punctuation rules in bullet lists:
   - Omit periods from incomplete sentences or phrases in bullet lists
   - Include periods only for complete sentences

**Example**:
```markdown
# Recommended

- `backend.tf`: Your backend configuration
- `main.tf`: Resource and data source blocks
- `variables.tf`: Variable blocks in alphabetical order

# Instead of

- `backend.tf`: Your backend configuration.
- `main.tf`: Resource and data source blocks.
- `variables.tf`: Variable blocks in alphabetical order.
```

Consistent documentation formatting ensures that users can quickly scan and comprehend content, while maintaining a professional appearance throughout the codebase.