Question

What are the tags supported by javadoc?

Short answer

Javadoc supports tags like @author, @version, @see, @param, @return, @throws, @since, @deprecated, @serial, @link, and custom tags.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Javadoc

Javadoc is a tool provided by Java to generate HTML documentation for Java codebase. It uses special comments called doc comments which begin with /** and end with */. Inside these comments, various tags can be used to describe classes, methods, parameters, and more.

List the Basic Tags

Some basic javadoc tags include: @author for specifying the author of a class or method, @version to provide the version information, and @see to reference related classes or methods.

Identify Constructor and Method Tags

For constructors and methods, @param is used to describe parameters, @return to describe the return value, and @throws or @exception to describe exceptions thrown by the method.

Note Tags for Documentation Structure

Tags used to structure documentation include @since to indicate when a class or method was added, @deprecated for marking deprecated methods, and @serial and @serialField for documenting serialized fields.

Recognize Custom or Additional Tags

Developers may use custom tags, defined by starting with @ followed by a tag name. Some additional tags include @link for linking to other elements, and @inheritDoc to inherit documentation from overridden methods.

Key concepts

Java Documentation

Java Documentation is a crucial aspect of Java development, aimed at making code understandable for others and for your future self. This is achieved using Javadoc, a powerful tool integrated into the Java development ecosystem. Javadoc generates readable HTML pages from special commented sections in the code known as Doc Comments. These HTML pages provide a comprehensive outline of the code functionality, structure, and intended use.

Quality Java Documentation improves the maintainability of code by offering detailed insights into how various Java classes, interfaces, constructors, methods, and fields function. It acts as a reference manual for the developer community, enabling collaboration and easier management of large codebases.

• Enhances collaboration and code maintenance.
• Transforms code comments into a user-friendly HTML format.
• Essential for both new project development and legacy code support.

Doc Comments

Doc Comments are special multi-line comments in Java, used specifically for documentation purposes. They are enclosed within `/** ... */` and are strategically placed before classes, methods, fields, or interfaces to provide descriptive information about what the code is intended to do.

The strength of Doc Comments lies in their ability to support Javadoc tags, which are markers within the comments that denote specific attributes or functionalities of the code element they describe. For instance, you might use @param to explain method parameters, ensuring that the users of your code understand what arguments a method accepts.

• Used to generate Javadoc HTML documentation.
• Placed before classes, methods, and fields.
• Supports various tags to detail code attributes.

HTML Documentation

HTML Documentation is the user-friendly format generated via Javadoc from your Doc Comments. This documentation is a collection of HTML files that resemble an organized online manual of your codebase, detailing different constituents like classes, interfaces, and methods.

These HTML files serve as a navigable and structured guide that developers can use to learn about and work with a Java project. Users can easily look up specific classes or methods to understand their purpose and functionality without delving into the actual code. This empowers both current and future developers to handle the code more efficiently.

• Generated automatically using Javadoc tool.
• Presents Java code descriptions in a clean, navigable format.
• Facilitates understanding and usage of code.

Method Tags

Within Javadoc, Method Tags are specific tags designed to provide in-depth information about the methods in your Java code. They describe everything from method functionality to its parameters and possible exceptions.

Key method-related tags include:

• @param: Describes the parameters for a method.
• @return: Details the return value of a method if applicable.
• @throws or @exception: Specifies what exceptions a method might throw.

Method Tags ensure that developers using your code understand how to work with your methods, what inputs to provide, what to expect in return, and under what circumstances exceptions may occur. This leads to fewer errors and more efficient coding practices.

Custom Tags

Custom Tags in Javadoc are like personalized touches you can add to your documentation. Sometimes the basic tags provided by Javadoc are not enough to convey all necessary information about a code element. This is where Custom Tags come into play.

You can create your own tags that start with `@` and follow them with a unique name. For example, if you want to document areas specific to your enterprise or personal conventions, Custom Tags can be invaluable. However, it's important to note that Custom Tags will not be processed by Javadoc as the standard tags are, thus requiring external handling or specific tooling if you wish to integrate them effectively into your documentation

• Flexible and adaptable for unique project needs.
• Start with `@` followed by a tag name.
• May require custom processing for full functionality.