What is the best way to document and share your microcontroller programs?

1 Use comments and style guides

One of the simplest and most effective ways to document your code is to use comments. Comments are lines of text that explain what your code does, why you wrote it, and how it works. They are ignored by the compiler, but they can help you and others understand and modify your code later. You can use comments to describe the purpose and functionality of each function, variable, and module in your program, as well as any assumptions, limitations, or dependencies. You can also use comments to mark sections of code that are incomplete, buggy, or need improvement. To make your comments consistent and readable, you can follow a style guide that defines the format, syntax, and conventions for commenting. For example, you can use the Doxygen style guide, which allows you to generate documentation from your comments using a tool like Doxygen or Sphinx.

2 Use version control and repositories

Another way to document and share your code is to use version control and repositories. Version control is a system that tracks the changes and history of your code, allowing you to revert, compare, and merge different versions. Repositories are online platforms that store and manage your code, as well as provide features like collaboration, issue tracking, and code review. You can use version control tools like Git or SVN to create and manage your local and remote repositories, and sync them with online platforms like GitHub or Bitbucket. By using version control and repositories, you can document the evolution and progress of your code, as well as share it with other developers and users.

3 Use libraries and frameworks

A third way to document and share your code is to use libraries and frameworks. Libraries and frameworks are collections of code that provide common or specific functionality for your program, such as sensors, communication, graphics, or algorithms. By using libraries and frameworks, you can reduce the amount of code you have to write, as well as reuse and adapt existing code that has been tested and documented by others. You can also create and share your own libraries and frameworks, if you have developed a useful or innovative solution for a problem or task. You can use tools like Arduino IDE or PlatformIO to manage and install libraries and frameworks for your microcontroller projects, and upload them to online repositories like Arduino Library Manager or PlatformIO Library Registry.

4 Use documentation generators and hosting services

A fourth way to document and share your code is to use documentation generators and hosting services. Documentation generators are tools that automatically create documentation from your code, comments, and other sources, such as README files or wiki pages. They can produce documentation in various formats, such as HTML, PDF, or Markdown, and include features like cross-references, diagrams, or search functions. Hosting services are platforms that host and display your documentation online, making it accessible and interactive for your audience. You can use tools like Doxygen, Sphinx, or MkDocs to generate documentation from your code, and platforms like GitHub Pages, Read the Docs, or GitBook to host and share your documentation online.

5 Use code snippets and tutorials

A fifth way to document and share your code is to use code snippets and tutorials. Code snippets are short and concise pieces of code that illustrate a specific concept, technique, or solution. Tutorials are step-by-step guides that explain how to create, use, or modify a program or a feature. By using code snippets and tutorials, you can document and share your code in a practical and educational way, as well as demonstrate your skills and expertise. You can use tools like Gist, CodePen, or Hackster to create and share code snippets and tutorials online, and embed them in your documentation, blog, or social media.

6 Use videos and podcasts

A sixth way to document and share your code is to use videos and podcasts. Videos and podcasts are audiovisual media that can showcase your code in action, as well as provide commentary, narration, or interviews. By using videos and podcasts, you can document and share your code in a dynamic and engaging way, as well as reach a wider and diverse audience. You can use tools like YouTube, Vimeo, or Anchor to create and share videos and podcasts online, and link them to your documentation, blog, or social media.

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?