Java javadoc tool

The Java javadoc tool is a command-line utility included with the Java Development Kit (JDK) that generates documentation for Java code. It reads Java source code files, extracts comments and other metadata, and produces HTML documentation that describes classes, interfaces, methods, fields, and more. This generated documentation is commonly referred to as “Javadoc.”

Key features and uses of the javadoc tool:

1. Generating Documentation: The primary purpose of the javadoc tool is to generate API documentation from source code comments. Javadoc comments are special comments that begin with /** and are placed just before classes, methods, and fields. These comments are used to describe the purpose, behavior, and usage of code elements.
2. HTML Output: The javadoc tool generates HTML files as output, making the documentation accessible through web browsers. These HTML pages typically include information such as class and method descriptions, parameter lists, return types, and any additional comments.
3. Standard Tags: Javadoc comments can include standard tags such as @param, @return, @throws, and @since. These tags provide structured information about the parameters, return values, exceptions, and version information related to the code elements.
4. Custom Tags: In addition to standard tags, you can define custom tags specific to your project’s documentation needs.
5. Package-Level Documentation: You can provide package-level documentation by creating a package-info.java file within a package and adding Javadoc comments. This documentation is helpful for describing the purpose and usage of an entire package.
6. HTML Frames: The generated HTML documentation typically includes frames for easy navigation, making it user-friendly for developers.
7. Command-Line Usage: To generate Javadoc documentation, you run the javadoc tool from the command line, specifying the source files or directories containing your Java code, the destination directory for the generated documentation, and any options or flags.

Here’s an example of how to generate Javadoc documentation for a Java class:

javadoc MyClass.java

This command generates documentation for MyClass.java and outputs the HTML documentation files in the current directory.

It’s important to use meaningful and descriptive comments in your source code, especially for public classes and methods, as this documentation can serve as a reference for developers who use your code. The generated Javadoc can be included with your project to help other developers understand how to use your code effectively.

For more advanced usage and options, you can refer to the official documentation for the javadoc tool, which is included with the Java SDK. The generated documentation can be a valuable resource for documenting and sharing your Java code with others.