Docline — Instant Python Docstrings

Type """ under a function and get a complete docstring. Docline reads your signature and body — parameters, type hints, defaults, return type, yields and raises — and writes a Google, NumPy or Sphinx docstring with tab stops for every description.

A fast, actively maintained alternative to autoDocstring. Works offline, no AI or API keys needed.

How to use

• Type """ (or ''') on the line under a def or class → pick Generate Docstring.
• Or put the cursor in a function and press Ctrl+Shift+2 / ⌘⇧2 (same shortcut as autoDocstring), or right-click → Generate Docstring.
• Press Tab to jump between the summary and each description.

What it understands

• Multi-line signatures, async def, methods (self/cls skipped), classes
• Type hints of any complexity (dict[str, list[int]], float | None, …) and default values
• *args, **kwargs, keyword-only * and positional-only / markers
• return values (not bare/None returns), yield → Yields with the element type from Iterator[T] / Generator[T, …]
• raise statements → Raises — ignoring nested functions, strings and comments

Styles

Set docline.style to google (default), numpy or sphinx.

Docline Pro

Part of the one-time Branchline Pro license (no subscription):

• Document an entire file at once — right-click → Generate Docstrings for Entire File adds docstrings to every undocumented function and class.
• Pro features in Branchline — Git Graph, TODO Lens and Snapline too.

Run Docline: Get Docline Pro, then Docline: Enter Pro License Key.

Settings

Also by the author

• Branchline — Git Graph — a fast, maintained Git Graph.
• TODO Lens — Better Comments & TODO Tree — color-coded comments and every TODO in one tree.
• Snapline — Code Screenshots — beautiful code images in your editor's theme.

Support

Free and maintained by one developer. If it saves you time, you can chip in from $1.

License

Source-available under the Docline License: free to use, read and learn from; redistribution and derivative publications are not permitted.