How to Write Docstrings in Python
Writing clear, consistent docstrings in Python helps others understand your code’s purpose, parameters, and outputs. In this guide on how to write docstrings in Python, you’ll learn about best practices, standard formats, and common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your documentation is accessible to users and tools alike.
By the end of this tutorial, you’ll understand that:
- Docstrings are strings used to document your Python code and can be accessed at runtime.
- Python comments and docstrings have important differences.
- One-line and multiline docstrings are classifications of docstrings.
- Common docstring formats include reStructuredText, Google-style, NumPy-style, and doctest-style.
- Antipatterns such as inconsistent formatting should be avoided when writing docstrings.
Explore the following sections to see concrete examples and detailed explanations for crafting