Use the Doxyfile configuration file to control Doxygen’s output. Modify this file directly, or use Doxygen’s graphical interface for a more user-friendly approach. This allows extensive customization.
Specify your project’s name, version, and a brief description within the Doxyfile. Accurate metadata improves the overall presentation and searchability of your documentation.
- INPUT: Point Doxygen to your source code files using the INPUT setting. Consider using wildcards for ease of management, e. g., INPUT = src/*.cpp src/*.h. OUTPUT_DIRECTORY: Define where Doxygen should create the documentation files using OUTPUT_DIRECTORY. Choose a separate directory for clean organization. RECURSIVE: Set RECURSIVE = YES to process subdirectories containing source code. This ensures complete documentation coverage.
Fine-tune the appearance of your documentation by adjusting the numerous settings within the Doxyfile. For example:
- HTML_OUTPUT: Choose between different HTML output formats (e. g., ‘HTML’, ‘HTML_SINGLE’, ‘LATEX’). Each provides varying levels of structure and organization. IMAGE_PATH: Specify paths to images included in your documentation. Doxygen will automatically link these images into your generated HTML. EXTRACT_ALL: Set EXTRACT_ALL = YES to extract all documented elements. This can be useful when starting a new project.
To generate documentation, simply run Doxygen from your command line, pointing it to the Doxyfile: doxygen Doxyfile. Review the generated documentation carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness. Iterate on your Doxyfile to refine the generated documentation based on your project needs.
Experiment with different themes. Doxygen supports multiple themes, altering the overall aesthetic. Customize the CSS further by creating your own custom stylesheet and referencing it in the Doxyfile. Leverage Doxygen’s support for various output formats, such as LaTeX or PDF, for alternate documentation needs.
Remember to consult Doxygen’s extensive documentation for a complete list of available configuration options and advanced customizations. Thorough customization ensures your documentation precisely matches your requirements.
