Code formatting is vital in technical documentation to distinguish code from regular text and to enhance readability. Proper formatting helps users easily identify code snippets, commands, and output.
Inline Code:
- Use inline code for short snippets or commands: When referencing a small piece of code, a command, or a filename within a paragraph, format it as inline code. Example: “Use the git pull command to update your repository.”
- Enclose inline code in backticks (` `): This sets the code apart from the surrounding text. Example: “To create a new branch, type git checkout -b branch_name.”
Code Blocks:
- Use code blocks for longer code snippets: When documenting a longer piece of code or multiple lines, use a code block. This helps with readability and ensures the code is properly formatted.
- Syntax highlighting: Use syntax highlighting to make code easier to read and understand. Highlight keywords, functions, and other syntax elements in different colours.
- Indentation: Maintain consistent indentation in code blocks to ensure readability. For example, use 2 or 4 spaces per indentation level.
Command Line:
- Differentiate between input and output: Clearly distinguish between commands the user should enter and the output generated by the system. Use different formatting or colours to avoid confusion.
- Avoid excessive comments: While comments can be helpful, too many can clutter the code. Keep them concise and relevant.
Dos:
- Use inline code for single commands. Example: “Type ls -l to list directory contents.”
- Use code blocks for multiline code. Example:
| def greet(name): print(f”Hello, {name}!”) |
Don’ts:
- Don’t use regular text for code snippets: This can make it difficult for users to distinguish between code and regular content.