javadoc

Javadoc is a command line tool in Java that automatically generates documentation for Java code. It is part of the Java Development Kit (JDK) and is used extensively in Java development.

When executed, Javadoc reads the Java source code files and extracts comments starting with /* and ending with /. These comments are specially formatted to provide structured information about the code, such as class and method descriptions, parameter details, return values, and more.

Using Javadoc, developers can generate HTML documentation that includes a navigable API (Application Programming Interface) reference. This documentation can be easily accessed by developers, making it a valuable tool for documenting reusable libraries and API documentation.

The generated Javadoc documentation includes a table of content, class hierarchy diagrams, method and field descriptions, and other relevant information. It also provides hyperlinks between classes, methods, and other related elements, allowing for quick navigation and understanding of the codebase.

Javadoc also supports various tags that provide additional information in the generated documentation, such as @param to specify parameter details, @return to explain the return value, @see to refer to related documentation, and many more.

Developers can customize the appearance and behavior of the generated documentation by using command-line options and Javadoc tags. They can add custom tags, define templates, include or exclude specific classes or packages, and apply various styling options.

Javadoc can generate documentation for individual source files, entire packages, or even multiple projects. It supports various output formats, including HTML, XML, and standard output, allowing flexibility in integrating the documentation into different development workflows.

By documenting code using Javadoc, developers can provide clear explanations of their codebase, making it easier for other developers to understand, use, and maintain the code. It promotes code reuse and helps improve overall code quality and collaboration within a team or among developers using a library or API.