Generate Instant Documentation: A Guide to Using DeepWiki for GitHub and GitLab Repos
Tired of manually writing documentation for your GitHub and GitLab projects? DeepWiki automates the process, creating interactive wikis with AI-powered analysis and visual diagrams. Learn how to use DeepWiki to generate beautiful documentation in seconds.
Why Use DeepWiki for Your Code Documentation?
- Save Time: Generate comprehensive documentation instantly, freeing up your time for coding.
- Improve Understanding: Visual diagrams explain code structure and relationships, making your project easier to grasp.
- Enhance Collaboration: Provide collaborators with an easy-to-navigate wiki, improving onboarding and knowledge sharing.
Get Started with DeepWiki: Two Easy Methods
You can quickly get started using either Docker or Manual Setup.
Option 1: Docker (Recommended)
Docker offers a streamlined way to run DeepWiki. Here's how:
-
Clone the Repository:
-
Create a
.env
File: Add your API keys for Google and OpenAI. -
Run with Docker Compose:
Option 2: Manual Setup
For a more hands-on approach, follow these steps:
-
Set Up API Keys: Create
.env
in your project root and set keys:GOOGLE_API_KEY=your_google_api_key OPENAI_API_KEY=your_openai_api_key
-
Start the Backend:
-
Start the Frontend:
-
Use DeepWiki! Head to
http://localhost:3000
in your browser, enter a GitHub or GitLab repository and click "Generate Wiki"!
Unlocking the Magic: How DeepWiki Analyzes Your Code
DeepWiki leverages AI to create meaningful documentation:
- Clones and Analyzes: Fetches your repository and deeply examines the code.
- Creates Embeddings: Generates code embeddings for smart information retrieval.
- Generates Documentation: Uses AI to produce context-aware, accurate documentation.
- Visual Diagrams: Generates visualizations to show code relationships and architecture.
- Organizes as Wiki: Seamlessly structures everything into an interactive and searchable wiki.
Deciphering DeepWiki: Project Structure Explained
Understanding the project structure helps with customization and troubleshooting:
api/
: Backend API server (Python, FastAPI). Handles data, RAG, etc.src/
: Frontend Next.js app with React components.public/
: Static assets.package.json
: Stores your Javascript dependencies..env
: Location for environment variables.
Advanced DeepWiki Setup: Customize Your Experience
Environment Variables
Make sure you have correctly set your API keys in the .env
file.
Docker Setup
Alternatively, pull and run the Docker Image directly.
Troubleshooting Common DeepWiki Issues
Encountering problems? Here's how to troubleshoot.
- Missing API Keys: Verify
.env
exists and contains bothGOOGLE_API_KEY
andOPENAI_API_KEY
. - Invalid API Key: Double-check for extra spaces or incorrect characters when copying.
- Cannot Connect: API server must run on port 8001.
- CORS Errors: Run the frontend and backend on same machine.
- Wiki Generation Errors: Try a smaller repository first.
- Invalid Repo Format: Use valid GitHub or GitLab URL.
- Diagram Errors: The app tries to automatically fix these.
General fixes: Restart your servers, inspect browser/API logs.
Contribute to DeepWiki: Help Improve Documentation for All
Your contributions make DeepWiki better. You can:
- Report bugs or request features via issues.
- Submit code improvements through pull requests.
- Share feedback and ideas to shape the project's future.
License
DeepWiki is MIT licensed, according to the LICENSE
file.