MkDocs

MkDocs is a documentation generator that converts Markdown files into complete static HTML websites. You write your content in Markdown, which is a simple text format that anyone can learn in minutes. MkDocs then processes these files and creates a full website with navigation, search, and beautiful design.

The tool includes a built-in development server that shows you live previews as you type. This means you see changes immediately without manually refreshing your browser. MkDocs comes with two built-in themes and supports many community-created themes like the popular Material for MkDocs.

Since MkDocs creates static files, your documentation loads quickly and can be hosted anywhere without needing complex server setups or databases.

Getting started with MkDocs is simple:

• Install Python on your computer if you do not have it already. MkDocs needs Python 3.8 or newer to work properly.

• Install MkDocs using the command: pip install mkdocs. This downloads and sets up everything you need.

• Create a new project by running: mkdocs new my-project. This creates a folder with a basic structure including a configuration file and sample documentation.

• Write your documentation in Markdown files inside the docs folder. Each file becomes a page on your website.

• Preview your work by running: mkdocs serve. This starts a local server, usually at http://127.0.0.1:8000, where you can see your documentation in real-time.

• Build your final website using: mkdocs build. This creates a site folder with all the HTML files ready to publish.

• Deploy your documentation to GitHub Pages or any web hosting service using mkdocs gh-deploy for GitHub or by uploading the site folder contents.

• Markdown-based documentation writing

• Live preview with automatic browser refresh

• Built-in and third-party theme support

• Single YAML configuration file

• Plugin system for extended functionality

• Generates fast static HTML sites

• Integrated search without external services

• Deploy anywhere (GitHub Pages, Netlify, etc.)

• Open source and completely free

• Active community support and development