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Docstrings in Python

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Docstrings in Python

Docstrings in Python are string literals that appear right after the definition of a function, method, class, or module. They are used to document the functionality of the code.

Single-Line Docstrings

Single-line docstrings are used for very short descriptions. They fit on one line.

"""This is a single-line docstring."""
# Example of a single-line docstring in a function
def add(a, b):
    """Returns the sum of a and b."""
    return a + b

Multi-Line Docstrings

Multi-line docstrings are used for more detailed documentation. They can span multiple lines.

"""This is a multi-line docstring.
It can span multiple lines.
It provides a detailed description of the function, method, class, or module."""
# Example of a multi-line docstring in a function
def subtract(a, b):
    """Return the difference of a and b.

    Parameters:
    a (int or float): The minuend.
    b (int or float): The subtrahend.

    Returns:
    int or float: The difference between a and b.
    """
    return a - b

Accessing Docstrings

Docstrings can be accessed using the __doc__ attribute.

# Accessing docstrings
def multiply(a, b):
    """Return the product of a and b."""
    return a * b

print(multiply.__doc__)  # Output: Return the product of a and b.

Docstrings for Classes

Docstrings can also be used to document classes and their methods.

# Example of docstrings in a class
class MathOperations:
    """Class for various math operations."""
    
    def __init__(self, value):
        """Initialize with a value."""
        self.value = value
    
    def add_to_value(self, addend):
        """Add addend to value and return the result."""
        return self.value + addend
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