What is meant by "target audience" in technical writing?

The term "target audience" in technical writing specifically refers to the particular group of people for whom a document is intended. Understanding the target audience is crucial because it influences how the information should be presented, the level of detail to include, the language and terminology used, and the document’s overall structure and format. For instance, technical documents aimed at experts in a field would use specialized jargon and assume a high level of prior knowledge, while documents for general audiences would need to explain terms and concepts more thoroughly.

Considering the other choices, the overall goal of the document refers to what the writer aims to achieve, but it does not capture who the information is meant for. The main topic discussed in the document is about the subject matter rather than the audience itself. Lastly, the writing style involves the manner in which the information is conveyed and is influenced by the audience, but it is not synonymous with the audience. Thus, identifying the target audience is fundamental to effective technical writing, as it shapes all other aspects of the document.