How to Correctly Generate OpenAPI Documentation from PHP Files Using openapi-generator-cli

Discover the correct method to generate OpenAPI documentation from PHP files using `zircote/swagger-php` and `openapi-generator-cli`.
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How to Correctly Generate OpenAPI Documentation from PHP Files Using openapi-generator-cli

Generating API documentation can often be a daunting task, especially when you're not sure whether you're using the right tools. If you've been struggling with using openapi-generator-cli to generate documentation from your PHP files, you're not alone. In this guide, we will address a common problem and provide you with a clear and effective solution.

Understanding the Problem

You might have installed the necessary packages, like zircote/swagger-php and openapi-generator-cli, but find yourself at a standstill when trying to generate the desired documentation. The error you encounter may indicate that the OpenAPI input is problematic due to missing specifications or malformed files. This often leads to confusion regarding the correct procedure.

Here's a concise breakdown of the issues you might be facing:

No .openapi-generator-ignore file found: This warning doesn't prevent the documentation generation but indicates that the generator won't ignore any files.

Exception message: You receive an error suggesting problems with OpenAPI input, potentially leading to the assumption that JSON or YAML files are required.

The Root of the Misunderstanding

The key misunderstanding here is the purpose of openapi-generator-cli. It’s typically used for generating client libraries, server stubs, and API documentation from an OpenAPI Specification, which is usually in JSON or YAML format. However, if your objective is simply to generate the OpenAPI spec from PHP annotations, the initial approach is off track.

The Solution

Instead of relying on openapi-generator-cli directly for documentation generation, you should leverage the zircote/swagger-php library effectively. Let’s walk through the correct steps you should follow:

Step 1: Install Required Packages

Ensure that you have installed zircote/swagger-php via Composer and its path is correctly set in your project.

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Step 2: Using the Command-Line Tool

Once you have ensured that your PHP code contains the proper OpenAPI annotations, you’ll want to use the command-line tool provided by swagger-php. Navigate to the directory where you want the JSON output to be stored, and use the following command:

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Breakdown of the Command:

--pattern "*Controller.php": This flag specifies to search for files that match this pattern—typically your controller files containing API annotations.

--output <name_of_file>.json: Replace with your desired filename for the generated JSON.

--format json: This tells the tool to output the documentation as JSON.

<location_to_search_from_recursively>: The path where the tool should search for files containing OpenAPI annotations.

Step 3: Verify the Output

Upon successfully running this command, you should see a new JSON file created with the OpenAPI documentation generated from your PHP files.

Example in Action

If your LocationController is structured correctly with valid annotations as shown in your initial code example, running the command should yield JSON without errors. Make sure to double-check that your annotations are well-formed, as any errors may still lead to issues in the generated documentation.

Conclusion

Generating OpenAPI documentation from PHP files can be done efficiently by utilizing the zircote/swagger-php library instead of openapi-generator-cli. By following the steps outlined above, you should be well on your way to documenting your API accurately. If you run into any further difficulties, review your annotations and ensure that your commands are structured correctly.

Don't hesitate to