Language Support
- jsdoc:
Supports all versions of JavaScript, making it versatile for legacy and modern codebases alike, with a focus on JSDoc comment syntax.
- typedoc:
Designed specifically for TypeScript, it fully supports TypeScript's type annotations and features, providing detailed type information in the generated documentation.
- documentation:
Supports JavaScript and Markdown, allowing for flexible documentation formats and easy integration with existing documentation styles.
- esdoc:
Primarily focused on ES6+ syntax, making it ideal for modern JavaScript projects that leverage the latest language features.
Output Formats
- jsdoc:
Outputs documentation primarily in HTML, with options for additional formats through plugins, making it adaptable for various needs.
- typedoc:
Generates HTML documentation that includes rich type information and class diagrams, tailored specifically for TypeScript projects.
- documentation:
Generates documentation in HTML, Markdown, and JSON formats, allowing for diverse presentation options and easy integration into websites or other platforms.
- esdoc:
Produces HTML documentation with a focus on a clean and modern design, but with limited output format options compared to others.
Customization
- jsdoc:
Provides basic customization through templates and styles, but may require additional effort for extensive customization.
- typedoc:
Allows for some customization, particularly in terms of theme and layout, but is primarily focused on providing accurate type documentation.
- documentation:
Highly customizable with themes and templates, allowing developers to tailor the look and feel of their documentation to match their project's branding.
- esdoc:
Offers some customization options but is more limited compared to Documentation, focusing on a standardized output.
Community and Ecosystem
- jsdoc:
One of the most established documentation generators with a large community, extensive resources, and numerous plugins available.
- typedoc:
Growing community support, especially among TypeScript developers, with a focus on improving TypeScript documentation practices.
- documentation:
Has a growing community with active contributions and support, making it easier to find resources and plugins.
- esdoc:
Has a smaller community compared to JSDoc but is gaining traction, particularly among modern JavaScript developers.
Ease of Use
- jsdoc:
Relatively easy to use, especially for those familiar with JSDoc syntax, but may require additional configuration for advanced features.
- typedoc:
Easy to set up for TypeScript projects, leveraging TypeScript's existing structure to generate documentation with minimal configuration.
- documentation:
User-friendly setup with straightforward configuration, making it accessible for developers of all skill levels.
- esdoc:
Requires some familiarity with ES6 features, but offers a simple setup for modern JavaScript projects.