ToC Lists Subsections For Python But Not For MatLab Code
Introduction
As a developer, documenting code is an essential part of the development process. It not only helps others understand the code but also serves as a reference for the developer themselves. Sphinx is a popular tool used for generating documentation for Python projects. However, when it comes to documenting MatLab code, things can get a bit tricky. In this article, we will explore the issue of ToC lists not displaying subsections for MatLab code, while they do for Python code.
Background
Sphinx is a static site generator that uses reStructuredText (RST) as its markup language. It is widely used for documenting Python projects, and its ability to generate ToC lists makes it a popular choice among developers. However, when it comes to documenting MatLab code, Sphinx does not support RST out of the box. This is where the issue arises.
The Problem
When using Sphinx to document MatLab code, the ToC lists do not display subsections. This is in contrast to Python code, where the ToC lists display subsections correctly. The issue is not specific to the MatLab code itself, but rather with the way Sphinx handles RST for MatLab code.
Python Code Example
Let's take a look at an example of Python code that uses Sphinx to generate documentation. We will create a simple Python module called math_utils.py with the following code:
"""
Math utility functions
"""
def add(a, b):
"""
Adds two numbers
Args:
a (int): The first number
b (int): The second number
Returns:
int: The sum of a and b
"""
return a + b
def subtract(a, b):
"""
Subtracts two numbers
Args:
a (int): The first number
b (int): The second number
Returns:
int: The difference of a and b
"""
return a - b
We will then create a conf.py file to configure Sphinx:
import os
import sys
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../'))
project = 'Math Utils'
copyright = '2023, Author'
author = 'Author'
version = '1.0'
release = '1.0'
extensions = ['sphinx.ext.autodoc', 'sphinx.ext.viewcode']
autodoc_mock_imports = ['numpy']
templates_path = ['_templates']
exclude_patterns = ['_build', 'Thumbs.db', '.DS_Store']
Finally, we will create an index.rst file to document the module:
Math Utils
==========
.. automodule:: math_utils
:members:
When we run Sphinx to generate the documentation, the ToC list displays subsections correctly:
MatLab Code Example
Now, let's take a look at an example of MatLab code that uses Sphinx to generate documentation. We will create a simple MatLab function called math_utils.m with the following code:
% Math utility functions
function result = add(a, b)
% Adds two numbers
result = a + b;
end
function result = subtract(a, b)
% Subtracts two numbers
result = a - b;
end
We will then create a conf.py file to configure Sphinx:
import os
import sys
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../'))
project = 'Math Utils'
copyright = '2023, Author'
author = 'Author'
version = '1.0'
release = '1.0'
extensions = ['sphinx.ext.autodoc', 'sphinx.ext.viewcode']
autodoc_mock_imports = ['numpy']
templates_path = ['_templates']
exclude_patterns = ['_build', 'Thumbs.db', '.DS_Store']
Finally, we will create an index.rst file to document the function:
Math Utils
==========
.. automodule:: math_utils
:members:
However, when we run Sphinx to generate the documentation, the ToC list does not display subsections.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the issue of ToC lists not displaying subsections for MatLab code, while they do for Python code. We created examples of Python and MatLab code to demonstrate the issue. While Sphinx is a powerful tool for generating documentation, it does have its limitations when it comes to documenting MatLab code. Further research is needed to resolve this issue.
Future Work
To resolve this issue, we need to investigate further into the way Sphinx handles RST for MatLab code. We can start by looking into the Sphinx documentation and seeing if there are any workarounds or patches available. We can also try to create a custom Sphinx extension to handle MatLab code specifically.
References
- Sphinx documentation: https://www.sphinx-doc.org/
- MatLab documentation: https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/index.html
Appendix
Here is the complete code for the Python and MatLab examples:
Python Code:
math_utils.py:
"""
Math utility functions
"""
def add(a, b):
"""
Adds two numbers
Args:
a (int): The first number
b (int): The second number
Returns:
int: The sum of a and b
"""
return a + b
def subtract(a, b):
"""
Subtracts two numbers
Args:
a (int): The first number
b (int): The second number
Returns:
int: The difference of a and b
"""
return a - b
conf.py:
import os
import sys
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../'))
project = 'Math Utils'
copyright = '2023, Author'
author = 'Author'
version = '1.0'
release = '1.0'
extensions = ['sphinx.ext.autodoc', 'sphinx.ext.viewcode']
autodoc_mock_imports = ['numpy']
templates_path = ['_templates']
exclude_patterns = ['_build', 'Thumbs.db', '.DS_Store']
index.rst:
Math Utils
==========
.. automodule:: math_utils
:members:
MatLab Code:
math_utils.m:
% Math utility functions
function result = add(a, b)
% Adds two numbers
result = a + b;
end
function result = subtract(a, b)
% Subtracts two numbers
result = a - b;
end
conf.py:
import os
import sys
sys.path.insert(0, os.path.abspath('../'))
project = 'Math Utils'
copyright = '2023, Author'
author = 'Author'
version = '1.0'
release = '1.0'
extensions = ['sphinx.ext.autodoc', 'sphinx.ext.viewcode']
autodoc_mock_imports = ['numpy']
templates_path = ['_templates']
exclude_patterns = ['_build', 'Thumbs.db', '.DS_Store']
index.rst:
Math Utils
==========
.. automodule:: math_utils
:members:
**Q&A: ToC lists subsections for Python but not for MatLab Code**
===========================================================
**Q: What is the issue with ToC lists not displaying subsections for MatLab code?**
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A: The issue is that Sphinx does not support reStructuredText (RST) out of the box for MatLab code. RST is the markup language used by Sphinx to generate documentation. When Sphinx is used to document MatLab code, it does not handle RST correctly, resulting in ToC lists not displaying subsections.
**Q: Why does Sphinx support RST for Python code but not for MatLab code?**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A: Sphinx supports RST for Python code because Python is a dynamic language that can be easily parsed and processed by Sphinx. MatLab, on the other hand, is a static language that requires a different approach to documentation. Sphinx does not have built-in support for MatLab code, which is why it does not handle RST correctly.
**Q: How can I resolve this issue?**
--------------------------------------
A: To resolve this issue, you can try the following:
* Use a custom Sphinx extension to handle MatLab code specifically.
* Create a custom RST parser for MatLab code.
* Use a different documentation tool that supports MatLab code.
**Q: What are some alternatives to Sphinx for documenting MatLab code?**
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A: Some alternatives to Sphinx for documenting MatLab code include:
* Doxygen: A popular documentation tool that supports a wide range of programming languages, including MatLab.
* Javadoc: A documentation tool that is specifically designed for Java, but can also be used for other languages, including MatLab.
* MatLab's built-in documentation tool: MatLab has a built-in documentation tool that can be used to generate documentation for MatLab code.
**Q: Can I use Sphinx to document MatLab code and still get ToC lists to display subsections?**
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A: Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will be able to use Sphinx to document MatLab code and still get ToC lists to display subsections. Sphinx's support for MatLab code is limited, and it does not handle RST correctly. However, you can try using a custom Sphinx extension or creating a custom RST parser to see if you can get the desired behavior.
**Q: What are some best practices for documenting MatLab code?**
----------------------------------------------------------------
A: Some best practices for documenting MatLab code include:
* Use clear and concise language in your comments.
* Use RST or another markup language to format your comments.
* Use a consistent naming convention for your functions and variables.
* Use a documentation tool, such as Doxygen or Javadoc, to generate documentation for your code.
**Q: Can I use Sphinx to document both Python and MatLab code?**
----------------------------------------------------------------
A: Yes, you can use Sphinx to document both Python and MatLab code. However, you will need to use a custom Sphinx extension or create a custom RST parser to handle MatLab code correctly. You can also use a different documentation tool, such as Doxygen or Javadoc, to document both Python and MatLab code.
**Q: What are some resources for learning more about Sphinx and documenting MatLab code?**
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A: Some resources for learning more about Sphinx and documenting MatLab code include:
* The Sphinx documentation: <https://www.sphinx-doc.org/>
* The MatLab documentation: <https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/index.html>
* Online tutorials and courses on Sphinx and documentation tools.
* Books and articles on Sphinx and documentation best practices.</code></pre>