Source Code Documentation
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A Source Code Documentation is a collection of documentation within the source code of a software program that explains how the code works or should be used.
- Context:
- It can (typically) include Code Comments, which are annotations within the code that explain the logic, functionality, or purpose of various code segments to human readers.
- It can (often) consist of Docstrings in languages like Python, which provide a convenient way of associating documentation with Functions, Classes, Modules, or entire scripts.
- It can be used to generate external documentation automatically through tools like Javadoc for Java, Doxygen for languages such as C++, C, and Sphinx for Python.
- It can improve Code Readability and Software Maintainability by making the codebase easier for other developers to understand.
- It can include inline documentation that explains the purpose of variables, the reasoning behind algorithm choices, and steps of complex logic.
- It can serve as a reference for developers when updating or debugging existing code, reducing the effort required to familiarize oneself with unfamiliar codebases.
- It can vary in detail and scope, from brief comments explaining a single line of code to comprehensive guides embedded within the code that explain entire modules or systems.
- It can facilitate Software Testing and Quality Assurance processes by providing insights into intended functionality and behavior.
- It can sometimes be neglected or given lower priority in fast-paced development environments, leading to software maintenance and enhancement challenges.
- ...
- Example(s):
- An C++ Inline Comment explaining the purpose of a code block:
// Calculates the factorial of a number - A Python Docstring describing a function's behavior:
"""Returns the square of a number.""" - External documentation generated from comments in source code, such as API documentation produced by Javadoc.
- Documentation comments in C# used to describe methods and their parameters, which Visual Studio uses to provide IntelliSense to developers.
- ...
- An C++ Inline Comment explaining the purpose of a code block:
- Counter-Example(s):
- External technical documentation that is not embedded within the source code, such as user manuals and design documents.
- See: Code Comment, Docstring, Software Development, Code Readability, Software Maintainability, Javadoc, Doxygen, Sphinx (Documentation Generator).