Everyone keeps saying to document your code, what do they actually mean

When we talk about documenting, we’re not just talking about explaining every line of code using a comment. In this blog, I will be talking about what developers should do to have well documented codes. Before we get into how to document your code, let’s see why it’s important.

Documenting your code helps other developers (and you) understand what your code does, how it works, and why you did it that way. Good documentation covers the WHAT, WHY, and HOW of your code.

Now, let’s talk about how to document your code:

1. Use Git Effectively

Many developers don’t realize how much Git can help with documentation. Use commit messages to summarize what changes you made and why you made them. Avoid vague messages like “made some changes.” Instead, be specific about what you did and why, include why in the Pull Request for that issue as well as tag the issue number that the code aims to solve. Proper use of Git helps track changes and makes debugging easier.

1. Create a Detailed README

A well-documented README is important for anyone who needs to understand your project. It should explain what the project is about, what tools were used, how to run it, the folder structure, and versioning. Make sure the README is in the main/master branch of the project.

1. Write Everything Down

The real power of documentation is in noting down as much as you can. Use a text file, Notion, or any note-taking app. For example, when you start a new project, document the libraries you install and any configuration files you set up. If you encounter errors, write them down along with their solutions. Document all features or changes you make, explaining what each feature does and why you chose your approach.

In conclusion, documenting your code is very important. It helps others understand your work and helps you solve future problems.

Thanks for reading, let me know what you think about this and if you would like to see more, if you think i made a mistake or missed something, don’t hesitate to comment