PHP's DocBlock comment is a structured comment that starts with /* and ends with /. It can be recognized by IDE and tools to improve development efficiency. 1. It is used before classes, methods, properties or functions, and provides structured descriptions, such as describing the role of classes or methods; 2. It supports common tags, such as @param (parameter description), @return (return value), @var (variable type), @throws (exception) and @deprecated (discarded tags) to help clarify the intent of the code; 3. It can realize automatic completion, type checking, document generation and other functions in the IDE to enhance the readability and maintenance of the code; 4. When using it, it should keep the type of writing concise and correct, and use @inheritdoc and complete namespace references reasonably to improve code collaboration efficiency.

When writing PHP code, many people will add comments. But have you noticed a special comment format: /** ... */ ? This is actually PHP's DocBlock comment. It is not only for people to see, but can also be read by IDE, static analysis tools and even frameworks, improving development efficiency and code maintainability.

Let’s take a look at how to use this thing well.

Basic structure and function

DocBlock is a multi-line comment that starts with /** and ends with */ . Usually followed by classes, methods, properties, or functions. Its most basic function is to provide structured annotations to help understand the code.

for example:

 /**
 * User Management Class*/
class User {
    // ...
}

The IDE can recognize this information, and when you hover your mouse over a certain class or method, you can see the corresponding instructions. This is especially helpful for teamwork, especially in multiplayer development projects.

Introduction to common tags (Annotations)

DocBlock supports some standard tags to describe more detailed information. Common ones are:

• @param : for function/method parameter description
• @return : Explain the return value type and meaning
• @var : used for variable or attribute type description
• @throws : Declare an exception that may be thrown
• @deprecated : marks an abandoned method or class

For example:

 /**
 * Calculate the quotient of two numbers*
 * @param float $dividend Divider* @param float $divisor Divider* @return float quotient* @throws Exception If the divisor is 0
 */
function divide(float $dividend, float $divisor): float {
    if ($divisor === 0) {
        throw new Exception("The divisor cannot be 0");
    }
    return $dividend / $divisor;
}

After writing this way, the IDE can help you automatically prompt the parameter type, and also prompt for possible exceptions to be thrown, reducing the chance of errors.

Practical Uses in IDEs and Tools

Modern PHP IDEs (such as PhpStorm, VSCode plug-in) can parse DocBlock well. Its benefits include:

• Automatic completion suggestions are more accurate
• Stronger type inference to avoid "unknown types" warnings
• Better jump and search support (such as clicking to jump to definition)
• Supports the generation of documents (with phpDocumentor)

For example, when you call a method, if you write detailed @param and @return , the IDE can know what type of parameters to pass, what type of data to return, and even help you check whether the wrong type is used.

A few tips and precautions

• Keep it simple and clear : don't pile up information, focus on writing the parameters and return values clearly.
• Pay attention to indentation alignment : Although it does not affect the function, the neat format is easier to read.
• Don't write the wrong type : For example, if it was originally an int but it was written as a string, it will make the IDE judge incorrectly.
• Use @inheritdoc to reuse parent class description : suitable for method description in inheritance relationships.
• The namespace and class names should be referenced correctly : for example, @var \App\Models\User $user so that the IDE can recognize the complete classpath.

If you are not used to writing comments, try to start by adding @param and @return . You will gradually discover that these small comments can really make the code clearer and easier to maintain.

Basically that's it. DocBlock is not complicated, but it is easy to ignore details. Writing it correctly can bring a lot of convenience.

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