documenting-python-libraries

name	documenting-python-libraries
description	Creates comprehensive Python library documentation including Google-style docstrings, Sphinx setup, API references, tutorials, and ReadTheDocs configuration. Use when writing docstrings, setting up Sphinx documentation, or creating user guides for Python libraries.

Python Library Documentation

Docstring Style (Google)

def encode(latitude: float, longitude: float, *, precision: int = 12) -> str:
    """Encode geographic coordinates to a quadtree string.

    Args:
        latitude: The latitude in degrees (-90 to 90).
        longitude: The longitude in degrees (-180 to 180).
        precision: Number of characters in output. Defaults to 12.

    Returns:
        A string representing the encoded location.

    Raises:
        ValidationError: If coordinates are out of valid range.

    Example:
        >>> encode(37.7749, -122.4194)
        '9q8yy9h7wr3z'
    """

Sphinx Quick Setup

# Install
uv add --dev sphinx furo myst-parser sphinx-copybutton

# Initialize
sphinx-quickstart docs/

conf.py essentials:

extensions = [
    'sphinx.ext.autodoc',
    'sphinx.ext.napoleon',  # Google docstrings
    'myst_parser',          # Markdown support
]
html_theme = 'furo'

pyproject.toml Dependencies

[project.optional-dependencies]
docs = [
    "sphinx>=7.0",
    "furo>=2024.0",
    "myst-parser>=2.0",
]

README Template

# Package Name

[![PyPI](https://badge.fury.io/py/package.svg)](https://pypi.org/project/package/)

Short description of what it does.

## Installation

uv add package

## Quick Start

from package import function
result = function(args)

## Documentation

Full docs at [package.readthedocs.io](https://package.readthedocs.io/)

ReadTheDocs (.readthedocs.yaml)

version: 2
build:
  os: ubuntu-22.04
  tools:
    python: "3.11"
sphinx:
  configuration: docs/conf.py
python:
  install:
    - method: pip
      path: .
      extra_requirements: [docs]

For detailed setup, see:

• SPHINX_CONFIG.md - Full Sphinx configuration
• TUTORIALS.md - Tutorial writing guide

Checklist

README:
- [ ] Clear project description
- [ ] Installation instructions
- [ ] Quick start example
- [ ] Link to full documentation

API Docs:
- [ ] All public functions documented
- [ ] Args, Returns, Raises sections
- [ ] Examples in docstrings
- [ ] Type hints included

Learn More

This skill is based on the Documentation section of the Guide to Developing High-Quality Python Libraries by Will McGinnis. See these posts for deeper coverage:

• Writing Effective Docstrings
• Getting Started with Sphinx
• Automating Docs Deployment
• Documenting Your Library's API