9 Best Python Documentation Libraries

Here are the best open-source Python documentation libraries for your applications. You can use these to get detailed information about each library and its functions, including descriptions, parameters, and return values.

Python libraries are collections of pre-written functions and methods that can be used to perform specific tasks. Python documentation libraries are essential resources for programmers to learn about and use these libraries effectively. These libraries also provide examples and code snippets to help programmers understand how to use the functions and methods in their programs. Additionally, they often include tutorials and guides that walk programmers through using the libraries. Moreover, they include various modules for tasks such as file I/O, regular expressions, and networking. Python documentation libraries are available online and can be accessed through the Python documentation website. This website provides comprehensive documentation for all built-in and popular third-party libraries.

In summary, Python documentation libraries are essential resources for learning about and using several Python coding components and modules. These libraries provide comprehensive information, examples, and tutorials that can help programmers use the libraries effectively in their programs. We have handpicked the top and trending open-source Python documentation libraries for your next application development project:

Sphinx:

• Used to create high-quality technical documentation for Python projects. 
• Uses reStructuredText as its markup language.
• Supports multiple output formats such as HTML, LaTeX, and PDF.

PyDoc:

• Used to generate documentation for their Python modules and packages.
• Generates HTML pages that display information about the module or package.
• Includes classes, functions, and variables.

Doxygen/Breathe:

• Used to create user-facing documentation with integrated Doxygen output.
• Supports multiple programming languages, including Python.
• Generates documentation in various formats, such as HTML, LaTeX, and RTF.

MkDocs:

• Used to create beautiful and responsive documentation for their projects.
• It’s a lightweight documentation generator.
• Uses Markdown files and YAML configuration files to generate HTML pages.

Read the Docs:

• Used in User Interface, Theme applications, etc.
• It’s a platform that allows developers to host their project documentation and automatically build and publish it online.
• Supports multiple documentation formats, including Sphinx, MkDocs, and plain HTML.

Pycco:

• Used in Utilities, Command Line Interface applications, etc.
• It’s a Python port of Docco.
• Converts Python source code into HTML pages with syntax highlighting and documentation comments.

Documentor:

• Used as a documentation generation tool for Python.
• Scans all your project's source code and generates a documentation site.
• Depends on Nikola and Python >= 2.7.

Epydoc:

• Used in Web Services, REST, Fastapi, Swagger applications, etc.
• Allows automatic API documentation generation for Python code.
• Supports multiple output formats, including HTML, LaTeX, and PDF.

PyLint:

• Used in Code Quality, Code Analyzer applications, etc.
• Checks for errors in Python code and provides suggestions for improvement.
• Can also generate documentation for Python modules and packages.