What are some examples of docstrings in Python 3?

What are some examples of docstrings in Python 3?

In Python 3, docstrings are used to describe modules, classes, and functions. Here are a few examples:

1. Function Docstring:

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

2. Class Docstring:

   class Dog:
       """A class representing a dog."""
       def __init__(self, name):
           self.name = name
   

3. Module Docstring:

   """This module provides basic math operations."""
   

Would you like to see more examples or learn about best practices?

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 without needing to read through the implementation. This is especially useful in collaborative projects and for maintaining code over time.

What are the conventions for writing docstrings?

The conventions for writing docstrings include:

1. Triple Quotes: Use triple quotes for multi-line docstrings.
2. Summary Line: Start with a short summary of the function's purpose.
3. Parameters and Return: Describe the parameters and return values, if applicable.
4. Formatting: Follow PEP 257 guidelines for consistency.

Would you like examples of each convention?

Yes, please provide examples of the conventions.

Sure! Here’s an example following the conventions:

def multiply(x, y):
    """
    Multiply two numbers.

    Parameters:
    x (int or float): The first number.
    y (int or float): The second number.

    Returns:
    int or float: The product of x and y.
    """
    return x * y