How can you document software across different programming languages?

2 Follow a documentation style

The next step is to follow a documentation style that defines the structure, content, and tone of your documentation. A documentation style can help you achieve consistency, clarity, and completeness in your documentation. Some languages have official or widely used documentation styles, such as PEP 257 for Python, Google Style for Java, or Microsoft Style for C#. You can also adopt or adapt a general documentation style, such as the Software Engineering Institute's (SEI) style guide. The main elements of a documentation style are the purpose, audience, scope, format, and language of your documentation.

4 Generate documentation from code

The fourth step is to generate documentation from your code using a tool that can extract and format the comments and annotations you have written. This can save you time and effort, as well as ensure that your documentation is up to date and consistent with your code. Some tools can also generate documentation from other sources, such as tests, diagrams, or external files. Some examples of documentation generation tools are Javadoc for Java, Doxygen for C++, or Sphinx for Python.

5 Organize and publish documentation

The fifth step is to organize and publish your documentation in a way that makes it easy to access, navigate, and search. You can use a tool that can create a documentation website or a PDF file from your documentation sources, such as DocFX, MkDocs, or LaTeX. You can also use a platform that can host and manage your documentation online, such as GitHub Pages, Read the Docs, or GitBook. The main aspects of organizing and publishing your documentation are the layout, navigation, search, and versioning of your documentation.

6 Review and update documentation

The sixth step is to review and update your documentation regularly to ensure that it is accurate, relevant, and useful. You can use a tool that can check your documentation for errors, inconsistencies, or gaps, such as DocLint, DocTest, or DocCov. You can also use a process that involves feedback, collaboration, and revision of your documentation, such as peer review, user testing, or agile documentation. The main goals of reviewing and updating your documentation are the quality, usability, and maintainability of your documentation.

7 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?