How to Fix autoDocstring Extension Issues in VS Code for Python Functions with Multiline Strings

Discover a simple solution to use the `autoDocstring` extension in VS Code when working with Python functions that include multiline strings, avoiding manual refactoring.
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How to Fix autoDocstring Extension Issues in VS Code for Python Functions with Multiline Strings

If you’re a Python developer using Visual Studio Code, you might be familiar with the autoDocstring extension, which can automatically generate docstrings in the specific format required for Sphinx documentation. However, you may have run into an issue where this extension fails to generate the desired docstring when your function contains a multiline string. Let’s explore this problem and walk through a simple yet effective solution.

The Problem

The autoDocstring extension is designed to streamline documentation writing by automatically generating docstring templates. Unfortunately, if a function includes a multiline string within its body, the extension can get confused and fails to generate the appropriate documentation. This can add unnecessary complexity to your workflow, especially if you regularly include multiline strings, such as SQL queries.

Example of the Issue

Consider the following function:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

In this example, when you try to generate the docstring, autoDocstring doesn’t work due to the presence of the multiline string. This forces you to rethink your code structure and potentially extract these strings, leading to a lot of refactoring.

The Solution

Fortunately, there’s a straightforward solution to this issue that doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your code. By changing the way you declare your multiline strings, you can ensure that autoDocstring functions correctly. Here’s how you can fix it.

Step-by-Step Approach

Change Triple Quotes: Instead of using triple double quotes """ for your multiline strings, switch to triple single quotes '''.

Corrected Example

Here's how your function should look after making this change:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

With these changes, autoDocstring will now successfully generate the docstring, allowing you to maintain your original functionality without the need for painful refactoring.

Conclusion

If you often use multiline strings in your Python functions and rely on the autoDocstring extension, this simple change can save you time and effort. By switching from triple double quotes to triple single quotes for multiline strings, you can avoid generating errors in VS Code, ensuring smooth documentation generation. Implement this solution and streamline your coding experience today!