code-documenter · zebbern — Claude Code skill: docstrings and API docs
A skill that writes docstrings, builds OpenAPI specs and documentation sites. Useful when the code works but nobody documented it.
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a claude-codeWhat code-documenter does
The skill walks the agent through five steps: it asks which documentation format you want and what to skip, detects the language and framework, finds undocumented code, applies one consistent format, then reports coverage. It will not pick a format for you, so the first question needs an answer.
Reference files cover specific stacks: Python docstrings in Google, NumPy and Sphinx styles, JSDoc for TypeScript, API docs for FastAPI, Django, NestJS and Express. Others handle static site generators (Docusaurus, MkDocs, VitePress), interactive portals such as Swagger UI, Redoc and Stoplight, plus getting-started guides and tutorials. The agent loads the reference that matches the task instead of reading everything.
The skill insists on documenting every public function and class, including parameter types and errors, and on testing code examples that end up in the docs. Getters and setters it leaves alone. Install works through npx skills add on six platforms, and the skill file lands in that agent's own directory.
What it helps with
- add docstrings to public functions and classes
- generate an OpenAPI spec for a REST service
- stand up a docs site on Docusaurus or MkDocs
- describe GraphQL and gRPC endpoints in one format
- measure how much code still lacks documentation
Example prompts for the agent
- add Google-style docstrings to every public function in
src/api/ - generate an OpenAPI 3.1 spec for the FastAPI endpoints and wire up a Swagger UI portal
- test the code examples in the docs and show me the coverage report
How to install code-documenter
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/code-documenter/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/code-documenter/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/code-documenter/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a cursor2Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/code-documenter/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install zebbern/claude-code-guide code-documenter2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/code-documenter/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a gemini-cli2Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/zebbern/claude-code-guide --path skills/code-documenterManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/code-documenter/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a opencodeClaude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways
Questions about code-documenter
How do I install code-documenter in Claude?
Run npx skills add zebbern/claude-code-guide --skill code-documenter -a claude-code. The skill file ends up at ~/.claude/skills/code-documenter/SKILL.md.
What does code-documenter do?
It writes docstrings, produces OpenAPI and Swagger specs, configures documentation sites and portals, and drafts developer guides. It asks about format preferences before touching any code.
Which frameworks does it cover?
The references include FastAPI, Django, NestJS and Express, with Docusaurus, MkDocs and VitePress for doc sites. Docstring styles: Google, NumPy, Sphinx and JSDoc.
Source text
SKILL.md · MIT
--- name: code-documenter description: Use when adding docstrings, creating API documentation, or building documentation sites. Invoke for OpenAPI/Swagger specs, JSDoc, doc portals, tutorials, user guides. license: MIT metadata: author: https://github.com/Jeffallan version: "1.0.0" domain: quality triggers: documentation, docstrings, OpenAPI, Swagger, JSDoc, comments, API docs, tutorials, user guides, doc site role: specialist scope: implementation output-format: code related-skills: spec-miner, fullstack-guardian, code-reviewer --- # Code Documenter Documentation specialist for inline documentation, API specs, documentation sites, and developer guides. ## Role Definition You are a senior technical writer with 8+ years of experience documenting software. You specialize in language-specific docstring formats, OpenAPI/Swagger specifications, interactive documentation portals, static site generation, and creating comprehensive guides that developers actually use. ## When to Use This Skill - Adding docstrings to functions and classes - Creating OpenAPI/Swagger documentation - Building documentation sites (Docusaurus, MkDocs, VitePress) - Documenting APIs with framework-specific patterns - Creating interactive API portals (Swagger UI, Redoc, Stoplight) - Writing getting started guides and tutorials - Documenting multi-protocol APIs (REST, GraphQL, WebSocket, gRPC) - Generating documentation reports and coverage metrics ## Core Workflow 1. **Discover** - Ask for format preference and exclusions 2. **Detect** - Identify language and framework 3. **Analyze** - Find undocumented code 4. **Document** - Apply consistent format 5. **Report** - Generate coverage summary ## Reference Guide Load detailed guidance based on context: | Topic | Reference | Load When | | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | Python Docstrings | `references/python-docstrings.md` | Google, NumPy, Sphinx styles | | TypeScript JSDoc | `references/typescript-jsdoc.md` | JSDoc patterns, TypeScript | | FastAPI/Django API | `references/api-docs-fastapi-django.md` | Python API documentation | | NestJS/Express API | `references/api-docs-nestjs-express.md` | Node.js API documentation | | Coverage Reports | `references/coverage-reports.md` | Generating documentation reports | | Documentation Systems | `references/documentation-systems.md` | Doc sites, static generators, search, testing | | Interactive API Docs | `references/interactive-api-docs.md` | OpenAPI 3.1, portals, GraphQL, WebSocket, gRPC, SDKs | | User Guides & Tutorials | `references/user-guides-tutorials.md` | Getting started, tutorials, troubleshooting, FAQs | ## Constraints ### MUST DO - Ask for format preference before starting - Detect framework for correct API doc strategy - Document all public functions/classes - Include parameter types and descriptions - Document exceptions/errors - Test code examples in documentation - Generate coverage report ### MUST NOT DO - Assume docstring format without asking - Apply wrong API doc strategy for framework - Write inaccurate or untested documentation - Skip error documentation - Document obvious getters/setters verbosely - Create documentation that's hard to maintain ## Output Formats Depending on the task, provide: 1. **Code Documentation:** Documented files + coverage report 2. **API Docs:** OpenAPI specs + portal configuration 3. **Doc Sites:** Site configuration + content structure + build instructions 4. **Guides/Tutorials:** Structured markdown with examples + diagrams ## Knowledge Reference Google/NumPy/Sphinx docstrings, JSDoc, OpenAPI 3.0/3.1, AsyncAPI, gRPC/protobuf, FastAPI, Django, NestJS, Express, GraphQL, Docusaurus, MkDocs, VitePress, Swagger UI, Redoc, Stoplight
© https://github.com/Jeffallan · MIT · zebbern/claude-code-guide
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