Automated Docstring Generation For Python Funct... -

This paper examines the evolution and implementation of automated docstring generation for Python functions, focusing on how Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed documentation from a manual burden into an integrated part of the development lifecycle. The Role of Docstrings in Python

Constructing instructions that specify the desired format (e.g., "Generate a NumPy-style docstring for the following Python function"). Automated Docstring Generation for Python Funct...

Early tools relied on static analysis to pull function names and argument lists, providing a boilerplate structure (e.g., :param x: ) that still required manual completion. This paper examines the evolution and implementation of

The methodology for automating this process has shifted through three distinct phases: The methodology for automating this process has shifted

In Python, docstrings serve as the primary source of truth for function behavior, parameters, and return types. Beyond mere commentary, they are programmatically accessible via the __doc__ attribute and power essential tools like Sphinx, Pydoc, and integrated development environment (IDE) tooltips. However, the "documentation debt" remains high in many projects, as developers often prioritize feature delivery over descriptive prose. Evolution of Automation Techniques

Utilizing linters like pydocstyle or darglint to ensure the generated documentation matches the actual code signature. Challenges and Limitations