Best Software Documentation Tools
Tags: react, javascript, aws, programming
Published: 2024-02-05 15:18:52

To read more articles like this, [visit my blog](https://www.mdfaisal.com/blog)


In software development, documentation is like the broccoli of the meal — not always the most exciting part, but it’s essential for a healthy project.

Like how broccoli can be cooked in many different ways to make it more palatable, many tools are available to make the documentation less of a chore and more of a delight.

This article’ll explore the benefits of using these tools and how they can turn your documentation from a bland, forgettable side dish into a mouth-watering main course.

So grab your forks, and let’s dig in!

## 1. Docusaurus

[This](https://docusaurus.io/) is developed by Meta. You can create really nice-looking documentation websites super fast.

It can also be used to build static websites. [You can take a look here](https://docusaurus.io/showcase?tags=personal&tags=favorite) for some inspiration.

To create a website, Just run the following command.

```
npx create-docusaurus@latest my-website classic
```

It supports markdown files. You can write both `blogs` and `docs` with this tool.

You can also customize the look and feel using the [configuration options ](https://docusaurus.io/docs/configuration)of Docusaurus

**This is based on React.** So if you are already familiar with **ReactJS** then, it will help a lot!

### Documentation
[**Build optimized websites quickly, focus on your content | Docusaurus**](https://docusaurus.io/)

## 2. Docsify

[This](https://docsify.js.org/#/) is a nice-looking, feature-rich documentation generator tool. **It’s built on top of VueJS**. So having prior knowledge of **VueJS** will come in handy.

To get started, you will need to run

```
npm i docsify-cli -g
```

Then initialize the project

```
docsify init ./docs
```

You can edit the pages and see the changes

```
docsify serve docs
```

And the documentation will be served at [http://localhost:3000](http://localhost:3000)

![Docsify documentation](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3814/1*KMrquFxdnEBdF4DUs_M0Bg.png)

You can customize everything, From the loading bars to the side nav bars, cover pages… Everything!

Also, it’s really easy to deploy using GitHub, GitLab, Vercel, etc.
[**docsify**](https://docsify.js.org/#/awesome)

### Demo

[**GitHub - docsifyjs/awesome-docsify: 💖 A curated list of awesome things related to docsify**](https://github.com/docsifyjs/awesome-docsify#showcase)

## 3. Gitbook

This is another general-purpose tool that can be used to write books or documentation. It’s also super easy to distribute as well.

![Publish Gitbook](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3814/1*V7hj6D_18dM04qi_IwurGg.png)

### Benefits

 1. GitBook allows multiple users to collaborate on the same document

 2. GitBook uses Git, a popular **version control** system.

 3. GitBook **integrates** with GitHub, Slack, and Trello.

 4. GitBook allows users to publish their documentation in multiple formats, including PDF, EPUB, and HTML.

You can set custom domains; the documentation is also auto-indexable. It supports internationalization as well. Overall it’s a fantastic tool.

### Documentation:

[***GitBook***
GitBookapp.gitbook.com](https://app.gitbook.com/)

Let’s have a look at some of the API documentation tools now!

## 4. Swagger

[Swagger](https://swagger.io/) is a widely used tool for documenting and testing APIs.

It has an [online editor](https://editor.swagger.io/). You can easily play around with it and generate easy-to-use documentation.

![Swagger Editor](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3814/1*R7BHe0GLIs5XAx6K9JO7Ag.png)

### Benefits

 1. It provides a **standardized way** to document APIs

 2. **Interactive documentation**

 3. Swagger can **auto-generate API documentation** based on the code.

 4. **Collaboration** is a breeze here.

You should definitely make yourself familiar with this platform.

### Documentation:
[**API Documentation & Design Tools for Teams | Swagger**](https://swagger.io/)

## 5. Redoc

Redocly is another OpenAPI documentation generator tool. It’s like Swagger but with a better interface (In my opinion).

![Redoc](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3814/1*R1aOfgQZQzgzLuULp1TEWA.png)

You can provide an open API file, and it will auto-generate the documentation and provide you with some boilerplate code as well!

### Demo
[**ReDoc Interactive Demo**](https://redocly.github.io/redoc/)

### Benefits:

* It has a VS code extension

* Tons of customization.

* Direct integration with OpenAPI

### Disadvantages

* It’s not completely free. It has paid versions as well.

### Documentation
[**Redocly Workflows**](https://app.redocly.com/)

## 6. Readme

This is another API documentation generator tool for enterprise applications.

You can sync your API using this tool, and it supports [OpenAPI 3.0](https://spec.openapis.org/oas/v3.0.3),  [OpenAPI 3.1](https://spec.openapis.org/oas/v3.1.0), [Swagger 2](https://spec.openapis.org/oas/v2.0),  and [Postman](https://schema.postman.com/) API formats.

You can import your open API file, and it will produce this beautiful-looking documentation.

![Readme](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3814/1*Tj4AejG4SpBqMNPqsBBMqw.png)

In fact, it will add an example code snipped automatically! Also, it provides you a nice dashboard with statistics.

![Documentation view statistics](https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/3814/1*CB8irxFngU4bc-JkE7VQvw.png)

But it has both free and paid plans, So choose accordingly!

### Documentation
[**ReadMe**](https://readme.com/)

## Conclusion

Documenting code may never be as fun as binge-watching your favorite TV show, but with the right tools, it can be almost as enjoyable as ordering a pizza.

So don’t let documentation be the Brussels sprouts of your software project — spice it up with some humor, creativity, and a good documentation tool.

Who knows, you may even discover that you have a hidden talent for technical writing. And if not, at least you’ll have some well-documented code and a satisfied appetite.

Happy coding, and bon appétit! I hope you learned something new today!


**Have something to say? Get in touch with me via [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/56faisal/) or [Personal Website](https://www.mdfaisal.com/)**