bc-code-intelligence-mcp/embedded-knowledge/domains/taylor-docs/al-xml-documentation-structure.md

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---

title: "AL XML Documentation Comment Structure for Objects"
domain: "taylor-docs"
difficulty: "intermediate"
bc_versions: "18+"
tags: ["xml-documentation", "intellisense", "api-documentation", "object-documentation"]
prerequisites: ["al-objects", "xml-basics"]
---

# AL XML Documentation Comment Structure for Objects

## Overview

XML documentation comments in AL provide structured metadata for objects that enhances IntelliSense, generates API documentation, and improves developer experience. These comments follow standard XML documentation patterns with BC-specific extensions.

**Key Benefit**: Properly structured XML comments automatically generate contextual help and improve code discoverability through enhanced IntelliSense support.

## Strategic Framework

### Documentation Scope
- **Public APIs**: Essential for procedures exposed to other extensions
- **Complex objects**: Tables, pages, and reports with business significance
- **Integration points**: Objects used in external system interactions
- **Reusable components**: Libraries and utility functions

### Content Strategy
- **Purpose description**: Clear explanation of object functionality
- **Usage examples**: Common implementation patterns
- **Parameter details**: Input/output specifications with types and constraints
- **Business context**: How the object fits in larger business processes

## Architecture Patterns

### Object-Level Documentation
Place comprehensive XML documentation above object declarations using triple-slash comments. Include summary, purpose, and key usage patterns for the object.

### Procedure Documentation Structure
Document public procedures with summary, parameter descriptions, return values, and relevant examples. Use consistent tag structure across all documented procedures.

### Property and Field Documentation
Document important properties and fields with brief but clear descriptions focusing on business meaning and valid values.

## XML Tag Standards

### Core Documentation Tags
- **<summary>**: Brief object or procedure description
- **<param>**: Parameter documentation with name attribute
- **<returns>**: Return value description for functions
- **<example>**: Usage examples in appropriate contexts
- **<remarks>**: Additional implementation details or constraints

### BC-Specific Considerations
Include version compatibility information, permission requirements, and integration considerations in remarks sections when relevant to object usage.

## Best Practices

### Documentation Quality
- **Complete coverage**: Document all public interfaces consistently
- **Clear language**: Use precise business terminology
- **Accurate information**: Maintain documentation accuracy with code changes
- **Meaningful examples**: Provide realistic usage scenarios

### Maintenance Strategy
- **Version control**: Track documentation changes with code updates
- **Review process**: Include documentation review in code review workflow
- **Consistency checks**: Maintain uniform documentation patterns across objects
- **Automated validation**: Use tools to verify documentation completeness

### IntelliSense Optimization
Structure documentation to provide maximum value in development environments. Focus on information developers need when consuming your objects.

## Anti-Patterns

### Avoid These Approaches
- **Minimal documentation**: Incomplete or placeholder documentation
- **Copy-paste descriptions**: Generic descriptions that don't match functionality
- **Outdated information**: Documentation that doesn't reflect current implementation
- **Excessive detail**: Over-documenting simple, self-evident functionality
- **Missing parameter info**: Undocumented parameters in complex procedures