Inherit Documentation In C#

In this guide, we will explore the concept of Inherit Documentation in C# along with its syntax and illustrations.

What is the Inherit Documentation?

A documentation comment in C# must acquire documentation from a base class or an implemented interface, as per the C# programming language convention for the tag <inheritdoc/>.

Syntax:

It has the following syntax:

<inheritdoc [cref="base-member-ref"] [select="filter-expr"] />

<inheritdoc>: The tag specifying the inheritance of documentation is referred to as <inheritdoc>.

The cref attribute specifies the reference to the original member from which documentation inheritance occurs. Typically, it uses a fully qualified name (FQN) to point to the base member.

select: This elective attribute offers a filtering expression to pinpoint specific segments within the inherited documentation. It grants us the capability to include or exclude elements from the inherited documentation.

Example:

Let's consider a scenario to demonstrate the Inherit Documentation feature in C#.

using System;
/// <summary>
/// Represents a base class.
/// </summary>
public class AnimalClass
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Represents a method in the base class.
    /// </summary>
    public virtual void Method ()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("AnimalClass Method");
    }
}
/// <summary>
/// Represents a derived class.
/// </summary>
public class DogClass: AnimalClass
{
    /// <inheritdoc/>
    public override void Method ()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("DogClass Method");
    }
}
class C# Tutorial
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        // Create an instance of the derived class
        AnimalClass a = new AnimalClass();
        // Call the Method
        a.Method();
        Console.ReadLine();
    }
}

Output:

AnimalClass Method

Explanation:

This code illustrates an instance of C# method overriding and inheritance. The base class AnimalClass offers a method that can be overridden by subclasses. Here, the DogClass overrides this method with its own implementation. Nevertheless, when an object of the base class is instantiated and its method is invoked, the implementation from the base class is the one that runs.

Interface with Documentation

C# Interfaces that extend documentation support uniformity, reduce repetition, strengthen contractual commitments, enhance code understanding, and facilitate interface growth in the long run. It is a crucial aspect of interface-driven development that enhances the quality and sustainability of software systems.

Example:

Let's consider another instance to demonstrate the Inherit Documentation feature in C#.

using System;
/// <summary>
/// Defines a contract for vehicles.
/// </summary>
public interface Vehicle
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Moves the vehicle.
    /// </summary>
    void Move();
}
/// <summary>
/// Represents a car that implements an IVehicle.
/// </summary>
public class Car: Vehicle
{
    /// <inheritdoc/>
    public void Move()
    {
        Console.WriteLine("The car is moving.");
    }
}
class C# Tutorial
{
    static void Main(string[] args)
    {
        Car c = new Car();
        c.Move();
    }
}

Output:

The car is moving.

Explanation:

This code demonstrates a practical illustration of applying inheritance and interfaces within C#. It is essential for the Car class to adhere to the requirements set by the Vehicle interface, ensuring the implementation of the Move method. Within the Demo class, a clear example is showcased on how to instantiate the Car class and effectively utilize its Move method, enabling the execution of distinct functionalities.

Benefits of Inherit Documentation

Several benefits of the Inherit Documentation in C# are as follows:

• ✅ Consistency: Documentation consistency within an inheritance hierarchy is ensured by inherited documentation. All subclasses and implementing classes inherit the documentation that developers only need to document a member once in the parent class or interface. This consistency enhances code clarity and reduces the chances of discrepancies or conflicting information.
• ✅ Reduction of Redundancy: By using inherited documentation, developers may avoid implementing classes or subclasses with duplicate documentation for inherited members. Doing away with the need to repeatedly convey the same information reduces redundancy in code documentation and saves developers time.
• ✅ Ease of Maintenance: Any updates or modifications made to the documentation in the base class or interface automatically propagate to all subclasses and implementing classes since documentation is inheritable. Developers just need to change the documentation once, making maintenance tasks easier and reducing the possibility of inconsistent or outdated information.
• ✅ Improved Readability: Inherit Documentation enhances code readability by providing a clear and concise overview of the inherited members and their functionality. Developers may easily understand the purpose and behaviour of inherited members without requiring them to consult the documentation for the base class or interface individually.
• ✅ Facilitation of Understanding: In large-scale applications, inheritance hierarchies can occasionally be complex. By offering a uniform view of the documentation throughout the hierarchy, inherit documentation facilitates understanding the relationships between classes and their members. It makes understanding easier for developers who need to work with or extend existing code.
• ✅ Promotion of Documentation Best Practices: Inherit Documentation promotes development teams to utilize documentation best practices by allowing for the reuse of documentation through inheritance. Developers are incentivized to maintain thorough and accurate documentation in the base classes or interfaces to foster a culture of clear communication and knowledge sharing.