How can you use automated documentation generators effectively?

Documentation is an essential part of any software project, but it can also be tedious and time-consuming to write and maintain. That's why many programmers use automated documentation generators, tools that extract information from your code and generate documentation in various formats. However, using these tools effectively requires some planning, preparation, and best practices. In this article, we'll show you how to use automated documentation generators effectively and improve the quality and consistency of your software documentation.

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1 Choose the right tool

When choosing an automated documentation generator for your programming language, framework, or platform, there are a few factors to consider. Popular tools such as Doxygen, Javadoc, Sphinx, and Swagger have their own features, advantages, and limitations. You should think about the format and style of the output documentation (HTML, PDF, Markdown, etc.), the compatibility and integration with your code editor, IDE, version control system, and hosting service, the customization and configuration options for the layout, content, and appearance of the documentation. Additionally, it is important to consider the support and community for the tool in case you run into any issues or need help.

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Jean-Claude Dulac

Next shot@Geomodeling | R&D | Software Architect
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Doxygen, XCode documentation, and markdown are good tools, but what needs to be added is an easy integration of drawings directly in the code editor. "A picture is worth a thousand words," but unfortunately, you cannot collocate and easily manage pictures and code today. Ideally, a code editor should be integrated with a drawing tool like any text editor.

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2 Follow the conventions

In order to use automated documentation generators effectively, you need to adhere to the conventions and standards of the particular tool, as well as the best practices of your programming language and framework. This includes using consistent and descriptive names for variables, functions, classes, and modules. Additionally, comments and annotations should be clear and concise, explaining the purpose, parameters, return values, exceptions, and dependencies of your code elements. The appropriate syntax and tags should be used for comments and annotations, such as @param, @return, @throws, etc. It's important to document all public and important parts of your code but avoid documenting obvious or trivial details. Finally, remember to update your comments and annotations whenever you change your code to avoid inconsistencies and confusion.

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3 Generate and review regularly

Automated documentation generators can save you a lot of time and effort, but they are not magic. You still need to generate and review your documentation regularly to guarantee its accuracy, completeness, and quality. Use a script, command, or plugin for an efficient generation process. Generate your documentation locally before pushing your code to check for any errors or missing information. When reviewing your documentation, look at it from the perspective of your target audience, such as other developers or users, to make sure it is clear and helpful. Utilize a tool or service to host, publish, and share your documentation online, such as Read the Docs or Netlify. Additionally, get feedback and suggestions from your peers or stakeholders to improve your documentation.

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4 Add some extras

Utilizing automated documentation generators can offer you the basic structure and content of your documentation, but you can also add a few extras to make it more engaging, informative, and useful. For example, a README file introducing your project, its features, its goals, and its installation and usage instructions. Additionally, a LICENSE file specifying the terms and conditions of using your project and a CONTRIBUTING file explaining how to contribute to your project. Furthermore, examples and tutorials demonstrating how to use your project in different scenarios or applications, screenshots, diagrams, or videos illustrating your project's functionality or design; as well as links to external resources such as related projects, articles, or websites. By following these tips, you can use automated documentation generators effectively and create high-quality and consistent documentation for your software projects.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use automated documentation generators effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose the right tool

2 Follow the conventions

3 Generate and review regularly

4 Add some extras

5 Here’s what else to consider

Programming

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How can you use automated documentation generators effectively?

1

2

3

4

5

1 Choose the right tool

2 Follow the conventions

3 Generate and review regularly

4 Add some extras

5 Here’s what else to consider

Programming

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