I’ve been working as an iOS engineer for a good while now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that good documentation is key. It’s not just about jotting down what each piece of your code does. It’s about creating a roadmap that users and other developers can follow to understand your codebase. With Xcode 15, Apple has given us a great tool to do just that: Swift-DocC. In this piece, I’m going to share some tips and tricks on how to use Swift-DocC to create rich, interactive documentation.
What is Swift-DocC?
Swift-DocC, short for Swift Documentation Compiler, is more than just a tool for annotating your code. It’s a robust documentation compiler that transforms the comments you write in your Swift code into a detailed, navigable documentation set.
But Swift-DocC doesn’t stop at compiling comments — it also generates interactive features like clickable links, collapsible sections, and even executable sample code. This elevates your documentation from static text to an interactive guide, providing a more engaging and insightful learning experience for users and developers.
Setting Up Swift-DocC in Xcode 15
One of the key advantages of Swift-DocC is its seamless integration with Xcode 15. There’s no need for separate installations or complex configurations. All you need to start using Swift-DocC is Xcode 15 and a codebase written in Swift 5.5 or later.
Once you have a project open in Xcode 15, Swift-DocC is ready to go. This built-in feature simplifies the process of setting up your project’s documentation, allowing you to focus more on the content and less on the setup. It’s a straightforward and efficient way to manage your project’s documentation right from the get-go.
Creating Documentation with Swift-DocC
Creating documentation with Swift-DocC involves writing documentation comments in your Swift code. These comments are similar to regular comments, but they’re preceded by three slashes (///) or enclosed in a block comment (/** … */).
Here’s an example of how it works:
/// Calculates the sum of two integers.
///
/// - Parameters:
/// - a: The first integer.
/// - b: The second integer.
/// - Returns: The sum of the two integers.
func add(a: Int, b: Int) -> Int {
return a + b
}
In addition to manually writing your documentation comments, Xcode provides a handy feature to generate a documentation template for you. To use this feature, hold the command key and click the method name. Then, choose the “Add Documentation” option. Xcode will generate a template that includes placeholders for all the necessary elements. You can then fill in these placeholders with your own descriptions to provide information about the function and its parameters.
After writing your documentation comments, you can generate the documentation by selecting Product > Build Documentation in Xcode. This creates a documentation set that you can view directly in Xcode’s documentation viewer, allowing you to review and refine your documentation as you work on your code.
Exploring the Generated Documentation
The documentation that Swift-DocC generates is more than just a static page of text. It’s an interactive tool that’s designed to be as dynamic as the code it describes. It comes with features like clickable links that take you directly to the relevant piece of code, collapsible sections for focusing on key details, and even sample code that you can run right in Xcode.
To view the documentation, all you need to do is open up the documentation viewer in Xcode. Just go to Window > Developer Documentation, and you’ll find your project’s documentation right there under the “Swift Packages” section. Having this level of integration right within the IDE is a real game-changer — it allows us to access and navigate our project’s documentation without leaving the coding environment.
Exporting and Sharing Your Documentation
One of the cool things about Swift-DocC is that it lets you export your documentation into a format that’s easy to share. Just go to Product > Build Documentation > Export, and you’ll get an HTML version of your documentation. You can put this up on a website, share it with your team, or even use it offline. And the best part? It keeps all those interactive features from the original documentation.
This comes in really handy when you’re when collaborating with other developers, stakeholders, or clients who may not have Xcode installed. They can get into your documentation and really understand what your codebase is all about. It’s a great way to keep everyone on the same page and working together smoothly.
Conclusion
I can speak to the value of good documentation; it is the foundation of every successful software project. It’s not only about making our code readable; it’s also about offering a complete guide that assists everyone participating in the project in navigating and comprehending the source.
Swift-DocC’s features like clickable links, collapsible sections, and in-Xcode code execution make our documentation not just informative, but also interactive and engaging.
So, whether you’re a solo developer trying to increase the readability of your code or a team working to improve the documentation of your project, I highly recommend looking at Swift-DocC.
