What are some examples of docstrings in Python?

What are some examples of docstrings in Python?

In Python, docstrings are used to describe modules, classes, and functions. Here are a few examples:

1. Function Docstring:

   def add(a, b):
       """Returns the sum of a and b."""
       return a + b
   

2. Class Docstring:

   class Dog:
       """A class representing a dog."""
       def bark(self):
           """Makes the dog bark."""
           print('Woof!')
   

3. Module Docstring:

   """This module provides basic arithmetic operations."""
   

Would you like to see more examples or details?

Can you explain the importance of docstrings?

Docstrings are important because they provide a convenient way of associating documentation with Python modules, functions, classes, and methods. They help other developers understand the purpose and usage of the code, making it easier to maintain and use. Additionally, tools like Sphinx can automatically generate documentation from docstrings.

How do I access a function's docstring?

You can access a function's docstring using the __doc__ attribute. For example:

print(add.__doc__)

This will output: 'Returns the sum of a and b.'

Are there any conventions for writing docstrings?

Yes, there are several conventions for writing docstrings, such as:

• Use triple quotes for multi-line docstrings.
• Start with a short summary of the function's purpose.
• Include parameters and return types if applicable.
• Follow the PEP 257 conventions for consistency.