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php-doc

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Provides phpDoc documentation standards. Use when writing class, method, or property documentation in PHP.

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Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/majiayu000/claude-skill-registry/blob/HEAD/skills/documents/php-doc-nette-claude-code/SKILL.md

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Documentation (phpDoc)

  • GOLDEN RULE: Never duplicate signature information without adding value
  • For trivial methods where class, method name, and parameter names explain everything
  • When documentation would only repeat signature information
  • Clearly define purpose/responsibility
  • Use active phrasing describing main responsibility
  • Avoid unnecessary words
  • Be concise and direct

Class Documentation

Writing Style

  • Skip phrases like "Class that..." or "Interface for..."
  • Don't duplicate method lists or implementation details

Property Documentation

  • Use single-line format for simple @var annotations:
/** @var string[] */
private array $name;

Method Documentation

Writing Style

  • Start with 3rd person singular present tense verb
  • Prefer verbs like Returns, Formats, Checks, Creates, Converts, Sets

Parameters and Return Values

  • Only document when adding information beyond PHP types
  • Add information about:
    • Array contents (e.g., @return string[])
    • Specific formats or value ranges
    • Important verbal descriptions
  • Use two spaces after type: @return string primary column sequence name
  • Use two spaces after param: @param mixed $var
  • Skip for self-explanatory parameters (width, height, name)
  • Include only when explaining:
    • Additional context
    • Limitations or conditions
    • Unusual usage

Exception Documentation

  • Avoid phrases like "Exception that is thrown when"
  • Use natural language and active voice
  • Ideally use a single sentence
  • Describe the problem, not technical context
  • Use consistent phrases across exceptions:
    • "does not exist" for missing items
    • "failed to" for operation failures
    • "cannot" for impossible operations
    • "is not supported" for unsupported features
  • Avoid technical jargon, redundant words, implementation details

Examples:

  • "The file does not exist."
  • "Cannot access the requested class property."
  • "The value is outside the allowed range."
  • "Failed to read from or write to a stream."

Examples

Good Documentation

Clear purpose, adding information about array contents:

/**
 * Returns list of supported languages.
 * @return string[]  Array of language codes
 */
public function getSupportedLanguages(): array

Describing unusual behavior:

/**
 * Creates new transaction. Returns null if user has exceeded daily limit.
 */
public function createTransaction(float $amount): ?Transaction

Short for properties:

/** for back compatibility */
protected Explorer $context;

When to Skip Documentation

When signature provides all needed information and purpose obvious:

protected readonly string $name;

public function getWidth(): int

For self-explanatory parameters:

/**
 * Calculates dimensions of image cutout.
 */
public function calculateCutout(int $left, int $top, int $width, int $height): array