Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Use # for all single-line comments; each commented line needs its own #.
- Triple-quoted strings (”’ or “””) work as multi-line comments but are string literals.
- Comment to explain why the code exists, not just what it does.
- Keep comments concise, clear, and grammatically correct.
- Docstrings should be used for documenting functions, classes, and modules for better understanding.
Introduction
Have you ever come back to your Python code weeks or months later, staring blankly at lines of logic and wondering, “What was I thinking here?” or “Why did I write this function this way?” You’re not alone. Comments in code are like little handwritten notes to your future self and your teammates, providing clarity that pure code alone often lacks.
In the fast-paced world of programming, writing clear comments isn’t just good manners—it’s a necessity. They help you debug faster, onboard teammates smoothly, and make your projects sustainable. In this comprehensive guide updated for 2025, you’ll discover how Python’s commenting works, how to write them effectively, and practical tips to enhance your code with readable and meaningful comments.
What Are Comments in Python?
1: Which of the following data types is immutable in Python?
Comments are human-readable annotations in your source code that Python’s interpreter ignores at runtime. Their purpose is to make your code more understandable by explaining the rationale, logic, or intention behind certain sections.
Also read: How to Learn Python in 3 months: Step-by-Step Guide
Why Comment?
- Clarify complex logic
- Outline steps before coding
- Document your thought process
- Temporarily disable blocks during testing or debugging
These benefits help reduce frustration during later code reviews or collaborations.
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Start Learning With EMI Payment OptionsSingle-Line Comments with #
The simplest and most widely used commenting method in Python is the single-line comment. Introduced by the hash symbol #, everything after # on that line is ignored by Python.
Syntax and Examples
# This is a single-line commentprint("Hello, World!")# This comment is inline with the code- Place a
#at the start of the line or after a statement for inline comments. - Multiple single-line comments can be stacked to explain a block.
Practical Tips for Single-Line Comments
- Be concise: Keep comments brief but informative. Avoid cluttering your code.
- Explain ‘why’: Don’t just repeat what the code does—explain why it’s done.
- Use proper punctuation and grammar: This makes comments easier to read.
How to Write Multi-Line Comments in Python
Python doesn’t have an explicit syntax for block comments like some other languages, which often confuses newcomers. Fortunately, Python offers multiple approaches.
Method 1: Consecutive Single-Line Comments
The conventional way is to prefix each line with a #. This method is compatible with all Python tools and linters.
# This is a multi-line comment# explaining the logic of the code below# across several lines.print("Hello, World!")Method 2: Using Triple-Quoted Strings
You can use triple quotes (''' or """) to create multi-line string literals. When not assigned to any variable or used as documentation strings (docstrings), Python ignores these strings, effectively treating them as comments.
""" This is a multi-line comment written with triple quotes. Python ignores it during execution. """print("Hello, World!")Caution: These triple-quoted strings are string literals stored in memory even if unused, though in most cases the interpreter optimizes them away. For large comments or frequent use, it’s better to stick to multiple single-line comments.
Tips and Best Practices for Writing Python Comments
Writing comments that truly enhance your code requires a bit of finesse. Follow these tips to write comments that are useful, maintainable, and well-regarded by the Python community.
1. Avoid the Obvious
Comments like # increment x by 1 next to x += 1 add no value and should be omitted. Instead, explain why you do something, especially if it isn’t immediately clear.
# increase x to account for zero-based indexing in the dataset x +=12. Keep Comments Short and Clear
Use simple language and avoid unnecessary complexity. Imagine your comments as a quick summary for someone scanning the code.
You might also like: Object Oriented Programming
3. Use Correct and Consistent Terminology
Refer to variables, functions, and classes by their exact names to avoid confusion.
4. Indent Comments Properly
Align comments with the code they describe to maintain clean code aesthetics and improve readability.
for i inrange(10):# Check if i is evenif i %2==0:print(i)5. Update or Remove Outdated Comments
Old comments that no longer match the code are more harmful than helpful. Make upkeep a habit.
6. Use Docstrings for Documentation
For any function, class, or module, include a docstring immediately after its definition with triple quotes explaining its purpose, parameters, and return values.
defcalculate_area(radius):""" Calculate the area of a circle given its radius. Parameters: radius (float): Radius of the circle Returns: float: Area of the circle """return3.1416* radius * radius🚀 Start Coding Today! Enroll Now with Easy EMI Options. 💳✨
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Start Learning With EMI Payment OptionsCommenting Out Code Blocks Temporarily
When debugging or testing, you may want to disable sections of code without deleting them. Python does not have a dedicated syntax for block commenting, so use one of these methods:
-
Multiple single-line comments:
# print("This line is commented out")# print("This line too")-
Triple-quoted strings (not recommended for actual code):
""" print("This is ignored") print("This is also ignored") """Note: Be cautious with triple quotes as some tools might interpret these differently, and the strings still exist as literals.
IDE Shortcuts to Comment Multiple Lines
Most popular IDEs like VS Code, PyCharm, and Sublime Text offer toggle shortcuts:
- Windows/Linux:
Ctrl + / - Mac:
Cmd + /
Select the lines and toggle comments on or off swiftly.
Python Developer Salary Insights
Understanding your market value can motivate deeper skill development, including clear coding habits like proper commenting.
| Country | Average Salary Range (Annual) |
|---|---|
| India | ₹5,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 |
| USA | $70,000 – $130,000 |
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Conclusion
Comments in Python are the unsung heroes that turn complex code into understandable art. Whether it’s a single-line note or a multi-line explanation, your comments are indispensable tools for writing clean, maintainable, and collaborative code.
By following best practices, you not only help your current team but future you will thank yourself when diving back into past projects. Ready to level up your Python skills and learn the art of clean coding? Join Entri’s Python Programming Course today and build a career where writing great code meets smart learning.
References
- https://realpython.com/python-comments-guide/
- https://kinsta.com/blog/python-comments/
- https://peps.python.org/pep-0008/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/learnpython/comments/17xbr02/comment_etiquette/
- https://www.liquidweb.com/blog/a-guide-to-writing-comments-in-python/
- https://cloudastra.co/blogs/python-comments-best-practices
- https://www.docuwriter.ai/python-code-commenting-guide
- https://www.datacamp.com/tutorial/python-block-comment
- https://google.github.io/styleguide/pyguide.html
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Start Learning With EMI Payment OptionsFrequently Asked Questions
Does Python officially support multi-line comments?
No. Python uses multiple single-line # comments or triple-quoted strings which act like multi-line comments when unused.
Are triple-quoted strings the same as comments?
Not exactly. They are string literals that are ignored when not assigned or used, often used as multi-line comments. Prefer # comments for clarity.
How long should a comment be?
Typically under 72 characters per line to fit style guidelines. For longer explanations, use multiple lines or docstrings.
Can comments be written in different languages?
Technically yes, but English is the norm for broader team readability and industry standards.
How do I document functions properly?
Use docstrings inside triple quotes to describe the function’s purpose, parameters, and return values.
