Code documentation is the unsung hero of software development. It's not just about writing code; it's about making it understandable for others (and for yourself in the future). Here's a breakdown of best practices:
1️⃣ Purpose Over Process: Always start by explaining why a piece of code exists, not just how it works. This gives context and makes it easier for others to understand its relevance.
2️⃣ Consistency is Key: Whether you're using JSDoc for JavaScript, JavaDoc for Java, or any other tool, maintain a consistent style. This makes your documentation predictable and easier to follow.
3️⃣ Avoid Redundancy: If it's obvious from the code, you don't need to document it. For instance, int add(int a, int b) doesn't need a comment saying it adds two numbers.
4️⃣ Document Assumptions: If your code assumes certain conditions (e.g., an input list is already sorted), document it. This can prevent future bugs.
5️⃣ Keep It Updated: Outdated documentation can be more harmful than no documentation. Whenever you update your code, ensure the associated documentation reflects those changes.
6️⃣ Use Code Examples: Sometimes, the best way to explain a function or a class is to show a small example of it in action.
7️⃣ Document Edge Cases and Limitations: If a function doesn't handle certain inputs or has known limitations, document them. This can save hours of debugging later on.
BONUS TIP ⭐8️⃣ Link to External Resources: If there's a blog post, paper, or any other resource that provides more context or a deeper dive into a concept, link to it.
Remember, the goal of documentation is to make code more accessible and maintainable. It's an investment in the long run.
Follow me on X, @daryllukas for more tips like this.
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