Remember P.A.T.H and you’ll find your way through technical prepositions!
P – Platforms → ON
A – Architecture → IN
T – Tools → WITH
H – Hotspots → AT
Remembering the correct prepositions doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the P.A.T.H framework to quickly select the right preposition in technical contexts:
Categories of Prepositions in Technical Writing:
- Location Prepositions: in, at, on (code in files, error at line 42, deployed on AWS)
- Tool Prepositions: with, using, by (built with React, tested using Jest)
- Direction Prepositions: to, from, through (sent to API, received from server)
- Relation Prepositions: between, among, within (interface between systems)
- Time Prepositions: during, after, before (error during deployment)
What is P.A.T.H?
P.A.T.H stands for Platforms, Architecture, Tools, and Hotspots – four key contexts in software engineering where using the right preposition is essential for clear technical communication.
P – Platforms and Products (ON)
Rule: Use “ON” for platforms, services, and products
- Deployed on AWS
- Running on Kubernetes
- Available on GitHub
- Built on Node.js
❌ Deployed in AWS
❌ Running in Kubernetes
A – Architecture and Artifacts (IN)
Rule: Use “IN” for code, files, and containers
- Bug in the code
- Stored in the database
- Function in the library
- Container in Docker
❌ Bug on the code ❌ Function at the library
T – Tools and Technologies (WITH)
Rule: Use “WITH” for tools, languages, and frameworks
- Built with React
- Developed with Python
- Tested with Jest
- Integrated with APIs
❌ Built in React
❌ Developed by Python
H – Hotspots and Highlights (AT)
Rule: Use “AT” for specific locations and points
- Error at line 42
- Issue at the endpoint
- Problem at runtime
- Fix at the integration point
❌ Error in line 42
❌ Issue on the endpoint