How to Generate Documentation for Intrinsic Functions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 127 views

Introduction

Intrinsic functions are a crucial part of any programming framework, providing a set of pre-built functions that can be used to perform common tasks. In the context of our project, we have implemented intrinsic functions in #3843, and it is essential to provide documentation for users and connector developers. This documentation should describe all the parameters of the out-of-the-box intrinsic functions, making it easier for developers to understand which functions can be used and how to use them.

Why Generate Documentation for Intrinsic Functions?

Generating documentation for intrinsic functions is essential for several reasons:

Ease of Use: By providing clear and concise documentation, we can make it easier for users and connector developers to understand which functions can be used out-of-the-box and how to use them.
Reduced Errors: With proper documentation, developers can avoid errors caused by incorrect usage of intrinsic functions.
Improved Productivity: By providing a clear understanding of the available functions and their parameters, developers can work more efficiently and effectively.

How to Generate Documentation for Intrinsic Functions

We can generate documentation for intrinsic functions using a Maven plugin, similar to the element-template-generator-maven-plugin. This plugin provides a way to generate documentation based on the reflection access to the params definition.

Benefits of Using a Maven Plugin

Using a Maven plugin to generate documentation for intrinsic functions offers several benefits:

Automation: The plugin can automate the process of generating documentation, saving time and effort.
Consistency: The plugin ensures that the documentation is consistent and up-to-date.
Flexibility: The plugin can be customized to generate documentation in various formats.

Example of Generating Documentation for Intrinsic Functions

Let's consider an example of generating documentation for the base64 intrinsic function. This function can accept either a string or a document. The documentation for this function could be generated using the following code:

// Define the intrinsic function
public class Base64Function {
    public String execute(String input) {
        // Implement the base64 encoding logic
    }
}

// Define the params definition
public class Base64Params {
    @Parameter(required = true)
    private String input;
}

// Generate documentation for the intrinsic function
public class Base64Documentation {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Get the params definition
        Base64Params params = new Base64Params();

        // Generate documentation for the intrinsic function
        String documentation = generateDocumentation(params);

        // Print the documentation
        System.out.println(documentation);
    }

    private static String generateDocumentation(Base64Params params) {
        // Get the reflection access to the params definition
        Reflection reflection = Reflection.getReflection(params);

        // Generate documentation for the intrinsic function
        String documentation = "The base64 intrinsic function can accept either a string or a document.\n";
        documentation += "Input: " + reflection.getParameterName("input") + "\n";
        documentation += "Type: " + reflection.getParameterType("input") + "\n";

        return documentation;
    }
}

Conclusion

In conclusion, generating documentation for intrinsic functions is essential for making it easier to know which functions can be used out-of-the-box and which parameters they can accept. By using a Maven plugin, we can automate the process of generating documentation, ensuring consistency and flexibility. In this article, we have discussed the importance of generating documentation for intrinsic functions and provided an example of how to generate documentation for the base64 intrinsic function.

Future Work

In the future, we can expand on this work by:

Generating documentation for more intrinsic functions: We can generate documentation for more intrinsic functions, making it easier for users and connector developers to understand which functions can be used and how to use them.
Improving the documentation format: We can improve the documentation format to make it more readable and user-friendly.
Integrating the documentation with the connector: We can integrate the documentation with the connector, making it easier for users and connector developers to access the documentation.

References

element-template-generator-maven-plugin
Reflection API
Intrinsic Functions: Generate Documentation - Q&A =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of generating documentation for intrinsic functions and provided an example of how to generate documentation for the base64 intrinsic function. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to generating documentation for intrinsic functions.

Q: Why is generating documentation for intrinsic functions important?

A: Generating documentation for intrinsic functions is essential for making it easier to know which functions can be used out-of-the-box and which parameters they can accept. This helps users and connector developers to understand how to use the functions correctly, reducing errors and improving productivity.

Q: How can I generate documentation for intrinsic functions?

A: You can generate documentation for intrinsic functions using a Maven plugin, similar to the element-template-generator-maven-plugin. This plugin provides a way to generate documentation based on the reflection access to the params definition.

Q: What are the benefits of using a Maven plugin to generate documentation for intrinsic functions?

A: Using a Maven plugin to generate documentation for intrinsic functions offers several benefits, including:

Automation: The plugin can automate the process of generating documentation, saving time and effort.
Consistency: The plugin ensures that the documentation is consistent and up-to-date.
Flexibility: The plugin can be customized to generate documentation in various formats.

Q: How can I customize the documentation format generated by the Maven plugin?

A: You can customize the documentation format generated by the Maven plugin by modifying the plugin's configuration. For example, you can change the output format, add custom sections, or modify the layout.

Q: Can I integrate the documentation with the connector?

A: Yes, you can integrate the documentation with the connector. This can be done by including the documentation in the connector's package or by providing a link to the documentation in the connector's metadata.

Q: How can I ensure that the documentation is up-to-date?

A: You can ensure that the documentation is up-to-date by:

Regularly updating the intrinsic functions: Update the intrinsic functions to reflect any changes in the connector's behavior or functionality.
Re-generating the documentation: Re-generate the documentation using the Maven plugin to ensure that it reflects the latest changes.
Reviewing the documentation: Review the documentation regularly to ensure that it is accurate and complete.

Q: What are some best practices for generating documentation for intrinsic functions?

A: Some best practices for generating documentation for intrinsic functions include:

Be clear and concise: Use clear and concise language to describe the intrinsic functions and their parameters.
Use examples: Provide examples to illustrate how to use the intrinsic functions.
Keep it up-to-date: Regularly update the documentation to reflect any changes in the connector's behavior or functionality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, generating documentation for intrinsic functions is an essential step in making it easier to know which functions can be used out-of-the-box and which parameters they can accept. By using a Maven plugin and following best practices, you can generate high-quality documentation that is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.