example_documentation.md•6.92 kB
---
title: "Metadata Standards Guide"
version: 1.0.0
author: "Metadata Team"
date: 2023-09-15
updated: 2023-10-20
status: stable
category: Guides
tags:
- documentation
- standards
- metadata
- best-practices
toc: true
sidebar_position: 2
related:
- "Code Documentation Standards"
- "JSDoc Style Guide"
- "Python Docstring Standards"
---
# Metadata Standards Guide
This comprehensive guide outlines the best practices for implementing metadata in your codebase. Proper metadata enhances code discoverability, maintainability, and integration.
## Introduction
Metadata provides essential context about code files, components, and projects. This guide will help you implement consistent and useful metadata across your codebase.
## Why Metadata Matters
Effective metadata delivers several key benefits:
1. **Improved Discoverability**: Makes it easier to find relevant code
2. **Better Understanding**: Provides context for code's purpose and usage
3. **Simplified Maintenance**: Helps track ownership, versions, and dependencies
4. **Enhanced Tools Integration**: Enables automation for documentation and analysis
5. **Knowledge Preservation**: Captures information that might otherwise be lost
## Types of Metadata
### File-Level Metadata
File-level metadata describes the purpose and context of an entire file:
```javascript
/**
* @file user-authentication.js
* @version 1.2.0
* @author AuthenticationTeam
* @license MIT
*
* @description
* Handles user authentication flows including login, registration,
* password recovery, and two-factor authentication.
*
* @dependencies
* - jwt
* - bcrypt
* - nodemailer
*/
```
### Component-Level Metadata
Component-level metadata documents specific functions, classes, or modules:
````javascript
/**
* Authenticates a user with username and password.
*
* @function authenticateUser
* @param {string} username - The user's username or email
* @param {string} password - The user's password
* @returns {Promise<Object>} User data and authentication token
* @throws {AuthenticationError} If credentials are invalid
*
* @example
* ```javascript
* const { user, token } = await authenticateUser('johndoe', 'password123');
* ```
*
* @security This function implements rate limiting and account lockout
* @performance O(1) - Constant time password comparison
*/
````
### Project-Level Metadata
Project-level metadata in configuration files:
```json
{
"name": "authentication-service",
"version": "1.3.2",
"description": "Authentication service for the application platform",
"author": "Authentication Team <auth-team@example.com>",
"license": "MIT",
"repository": {
"type": "git",
"url": "https://github.com/example/authentication-service.git"
}
}
```
## Metadata Standards by Language
### JavaScript/TypeScript
In JavaScript and TypeScript, use JSDoc comments for metadata:
```javascript
/**
* @module authentication
* @description Authentication utilities for the application
*/
/**
* @class UserAuthenticator
* @description Handles user authentication flows
* @implements {Authenticator}
*/
class UserAuthenticator {
/**
* @constructor
* @param {Object} options - Configuration options
*/
constructor(options) {
// Implementation
}
}
```
### Python
In Python, use docstrings with tags for metadata:
```python
"""
@module authentication
@description Authentication utilities for the application
"""
class UserAuthenticator:
"""
@class UserAuthenticator
@description Handles user authentication flows
@implements Authenticator
"""
def __init__(self, options):
"""
@method __init__
@description Initialize the authenticator with options
@param options Configuration options dictionary
"""
# Implementation
```
### Markdown
In Markdown documentation, use YAML frontmatter:
```markdown
---
title: "Authentication Guide"
version: 1.0.0
author: "Authentication Team"
status: "published"
tags: ["authentication", "security", "guide"]
---
# Authentication Guide
This guide covers how to implement authentication in your application.
```
## Required Metadata Fields
### For All Files
- **Version**: Current version of the file/component
- **Description**: Clear statement of purpose
- **Author/Owner**: Person or team responsible
### For JavaScript/TypeScript Files
- **File**: Filename and brief description
- **Dependencies**: List of required packages or modules
- **Example**: Usage example where appropriate
### For Python Files
- **Module**: Module name and purpose
- **Dependencies**: Required packages or modules
- **Usage**: Example usage code
### For Documentation Files
- **Title**: Clear, descriptive title
- **Status**: Current status (draft, review, published)
- **Tags**: Relevant categories or keywords
## Metadata Validation
Ensure your metadata is valid and complete:
1. **Completeness**: Include all required fields
2. **Accuracy**: Keep information up-to-date
3. **Consistency**: Use consistent formatting and terminology
4. **Clarity**: Write clear, concise descriptions
## Tools and Automation
### Linters and Validators
Configure linters to enforce metadata standards:
```json
{
"rules": {
"jsdoc/require-description": "error",
"jsdoc/require-param": "error",
"jsdoc/require-returns": "error"
}
}
```
### Template Generation
Create templates for consistent metadata:
```javascript
// @file: templates/class.js
/**
* @class ${name}
* @description ${description}
* @author ${author}
* @since ${version}
*/
class $ {
name;
}
{
// Implementation
}
```
### Metadata Extraction
Use tools to extract and analyze metadata:
```bash
# Extract metadata from source files
npx extract-metadata --src ./src --output metadata.json
# Generate documentation from metadata
npx generate-docs --metadata metadata.json --output ./docs
```
## Best Practices
1. **Update Consistently**: Keep metadata current with code changes
2. **Be Specific**: Provide precise, actionable information
3. **Include Examples**: Demonstrate usage with practical examples
4. **Document Edge Cases**: Note limitations and special considerations
5. **Link Related Components**: Reference related code or documentation
## Implementation Checklist
- [ ] Define metadata standards for your project
- [ ] Create templates for different file types
- [ ] Configure linters to enforce standards
- [ ] Set up CI checks for metadata validation
- [ ] Document your metadata standards
- [ ] Train your team on metadata practices
## Conclusion
Implementing comprehensive metadata standards improves code quality, enhances developer experience, and preserves knowledge. By following these guidelines, you can create a codebase that is more discoverable, maintainable, and integrated.
---
_This document is maintained by the Metadata Team. Last updated on October 20, 2023._