Penify (formerly Snorkell.ai)

Penify (formerly Snorkell.ai)

Penify (formerly Snorkell.ai) is a GitHub and Bitbucket app that generates and updates code documentation when pull requests merge. It handles docstrings, API docs, and architecture documentation for Python, Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, and Kotlin repositories so teams spend less time writing docs by hand.

The app installs directly on your repository and tracks code changes after each merged PR. It identifies new classes and functions, refreshes existing documentation, and can analyze pull requests before they ship. A knowledge base and chat agent let product managers, analysts, and QA staff query the codebase in plain language.

Penify is built for development teams that want documentation to stay current without slowing down shipping. It suits backend engineers, platform teams, and technical leads who need accurate reference material that reflects the latest code.

Top Features:
  1. Document your entire repository for $0 on the free tier

  2. Updates docstrings automatically whenever a pull request merges

  3. Pull request analysis flags documentation gaps before code ships

  4. Generates API docs and architecture documentation alongside inline docstrings

  5. Knowledge base chat agent lets PMs and QA ask questions about the codebase

  6. One-click install as a native GitHub or Bitbucket app

  7. Supports Python, Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, and Kotlin repos

Pros:
  1. Free tier lets teams document an entire repository at no cost.

  2. Installs as a native GitHub and Bitbucket app with minimal setup.

  3. Covers five major programming languages including Python and TypeScript.

  4. Knowledge base chat gives non-technical teammates access to codebase information.

  5. Documentation updates automatically when pull requests merge.

Cons:
  1. No public pricing page with detailed plan tiers on the website.

  2. Full dashboard access requires account signup and JavaScript.

  3. Bitbucket support is available, but GitLab is not listed among supported platforms.

FAQs:

Does Penify have a free plan?

Yes. Penify advertises that you can document your entire repository for $0. The contact page also references a Business plan for teams that need more, but detailed pricing tiers are not published on the website.

Which Git platforms does Penify support?

Penify installs as a native Git app on GitHub and Bitbucket. You can install it from the Penify website or GitHub Marketplace and select your personal account or organization during setup.

Which programming languages does Penify document?

Penify generates documentation for Python, Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, and Kotlin codebases. It tracks new classes and functions in those languages and updates docstrings accordingly.

How does Penify keep documentation up to date?

Penify activates after installation and tracks changes every time a pull request is merged. It recognizes new classes and functions in the code and updates the corresponding documentation automatically.

Can non-developers use Penify?

Yes. Penify includes a knowledge base and chat agent designed for non-technical stakeholders like product managers, analysts, and QA staff who need answers about the codebase without reading source files.

What types of documentation does Penify generate?

Penify produces full repository documentation, inline docstrings, API documentation, architecture documentation, and documentation quality reports. It also supports AI commits and Git commit hooks.

Pricing:

Freemium

Tags:

Code Documentation
Developer Tools
GitHub Integration
Automated Documentation
Bitbucket Integration

Tech used:

Next.js
Framer Sites
Cloudflare
Google Analytics
Google Tag Manager
HubSpot
Python
Ruby
GitHub
Webpack
Styled Components
Tailwind CSS

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