Documentation Generators

Doxygen – generate documentation from source code

Doxygen is a documentation system for C, C++, Java, Objective-C, Python, IDL and to some extent PHP, C#, and D.

It can generate an on-line class browser (in HTML) and/or an off-line reference manual (in LaTeX) from a set of documented source files.

There is also support for generating man pages and for converting the generated output into Postscript, hyperlinked PDF or compressed HTML. The documentation is extracted directly from the sources.

Features include:

  • Supports documentation of files, namespaces, packages, classes, structs, unions, templates, variables, functions, typedefs, enums and defines.
  • JavaDoc (1.1), Qt-Doc, and ECMA-334 (C# spec.) compatible.
  • Automatically generates class and collaboration diagrams in HTML (as clickable image maps) and LaTeX (as Encapsulated PostScript images).
  • Uses the dot tool of the Graphviz tool kit to generate include dependency graphs, collaboration diagrams, call graphs, directory structure graphs, and graphical class hierarchy graphs.
  • Flexible comment placement: Put documentation in the header file (before the declaration of an entity), source file (before the definition of an entity) or in a separate file.
  • Generates a list of all members of a class (including any inherited members) along with their protection level.
  • Outputs documentation in on-line format (HTML and UNIX man page) and off-line format LaTeX and RTF) simultaneously (any of these can be disabled if desired). All formats are optimized for ease of reading.
  • Includes a full C preprocessor to allow proper parsing of conditional code fragments and to allow expansion of all or part of macros definitions.
  • Automatically detects public, protected and private sections, as well as the Qt specific signal and slots sections. Extraction of private class members is optional.
  • Automatically generates references to documented classes, files, namespaces and members. Documentation of global functions, globals variables, typedefs, defines and enumerations is also supported.
  • References to base/super classes and inherited/overridden members are generated automatically.
  • Includes a fast, rank based search engine to search for strings or words in the class and member documentation.
  • Type normal HTML tags in your documentation. Doxygen will convert them to their equivalent LaTeX, RTF, and man-page counterparts automatically.
  • Allows references to documentation generated for other projects (or another part of the same project) in a location independent way.
  • Allows inclusion of source code examples that are automatically cross-referenced with the documentation.
  • Inclusion of undocumented classes is also supported, allowing to quickly learn the structure and interfaces of a (large) piece of code without looking into the implementation details.
  • Allows automatic cross-referencing of (documented) entities with their definition in the source code.
  • All source code fragments are syntax highlighted for ease of reading.
  • Allows inclusion of function/member/class definitions in the documentation.
  • Options are read from an easy to edit and (optionally) annotated configuration file.
  • Documentation and search engine can be transferred to another location or machine without regenerating the documentation.
  • Copes with large projects.

Website: www.doxygen.nl
Support: Documentation
Developer: Dimitri van Heesch
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

Doxygen is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to Documentation Generators


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments