.. include:: /extras.rst.txt
.. highlight:: rst
.. index:: how-to-how-to ; Index


.. _how-to-how-index:

=============
How-To How-To
=============


What is a How-to
----------------

Its a Recipe

Recipes are an excellent model for writing a how-to guide.

Recipes clearly define the goal by following it, and they address a specific
question: How do I make it?

Why: adds noise
--------------

Explanations aren't necessary when following a how-to guide. Adding
descriptions is adding noise on the way to the goal.

How: the steps to take
----------------------

How-to guides contain a sequence of actions much like a tutorial.

They differ in a sense; a tutorial mentions that "We are using HTTPS" because
it is very secure, whereas a How-to guide digs deeper into HTTPS, that is, it
shows you how to do a specific action or configuration with HTTPS.

How-to guides don't need the repeatability of a tutorial, but they should be
reliable.

When to write one
-----------------

The goal of a how-to is to solve a problem or complete an unfamiliar task.