DocFX - Detailed Review

Here are some frequently asked questions about DocFX, along with detailed responses to each:

How do I get started with DocFX?

To get started with DocFX, you need to ensure you have the .NET SDK installed. You can then update the DocFX tool using the command `dotnet tool update -g docfx`. Next, initialize a new DocFX project by running `docfx init` in your terminal. This will create a JSON configuration file. To build and serve the documentation website, use the command `docfx docfx.json –serve`, and you can view the generated website at `http://localhost:8080`.

How do I use DocFX with Visual Studio?

To use DocFX within Visual Studio, you need to have Visual Studio 2015 or later. Start by creating a new C# project, such as an empty ASP.NET Web Application, which has a built-in preview feature. Right-click on the project, select “Manage NuGet Packages,” and install the `docfx.msbuild` package. Then, create a public class in your project and use the `docfx init` and `docfx docfx.json –serve` commands to generate and serve the documentation.

What markup formats does DocFX support?

DocFX supports multiple markup formats, including Markdown, JSON, and YAML. It also introduces DocFX Flavored Markdown (DFM), which is 100% compatible with GitHub Flavored Markdown (GFM) and includes useful extensions like file inclusion, code snippets, cross-references, and YAML headers.

How can I generate API documentation with DocFX?

DocFX automatically generates API reference documentation by parsing code comments in widely used formats like XML and YAML. It can create detailed API references, including namespaces, classes, methods, parameters, and return types. This feature streamlines the documentation process for code APIs by saving developers a significant amount of time and effort.

Can I use DocFX in a Continuous Integration (CI) environment?

Yes, DocFX can be used in a Continuous Integration environment. Most build systems use a detached head for the specific commit, so you need to set the environment variable `DOCFX_SOURCE_BRANCH_NAME` to tell DocFX which branch name to use. This ensures that the “View Source” link in the API documentation works correctly.

How do I include a project’s root README.md as the index.md in DocFX?

To use a project’s root `README.md` as the `index.md` in DocFX, you need to configure the `docfx.json` file. Specifically, you can set the `homepage` property in the `docfx.json` file to point to your `README.md`. However, detailed steps for this specific configuration might require checking the DocFX documentation or community discussions for the most current methods.

How can I create cross-references between several projects in DocFX?

Creating cross-references between several projects in DocFX involves configuring the `docfx.json` file to include references to other projects. You can use the `crossReference` section in the `docfx.json` file to specify the paths to other projects. For more detailed instructions, it is recommended to refer to the DocFX documentation or community discussions.

Is DocFX cross-platform?

Yes, DocFX is cross-platform and can operate on Linux, macOS, and Windows systems. It has both an executable version for Windows and a .NET Core version that runs cross-platform, ensuring that documentation generation can be easily integrated into various development workflows and settings.

How do I apply a custom template in DocFX?

To apply a custom template in DocFX, you can use the extensible architecture of DocFX. You can create or modify templates and plugins to meet your specific documentation needs. For example, you can use the `templates` folder in your DocFX project to customize the appearance and structure of your documentation. Refer to the DocFX documentation for detailed instructions on how to create and apply custom templates.

How do I ensure the Table of Contents (TOC) is displayed correctly in DocFX?

To ensure the Table of Contents (TOC) is displayed correctly in DocFX, you need to configure the `docfx.json` file properly. The TOC is automatically generated based on the structure of your documentation files. Make sure that your Markdown files are organized in a way that reflects the desired TOC hierarchy. Additionally, you can customize the TOC by editing the `toc.yml` file if needed.

Is generating documentation with DocFX secure against XSS attacks?

DocFX is designed to generate documentation securely. However, ensuring XSS security depends on how you configure and use DocFX. It is important to follow best practices and guidelines provided in the DocFX documentation to avoid any potential security vulnerabilities. For specific concerns, you can refer to community discussions or the official DocFX documentation.