Crafting code with excellent clarity is just as crucial as developing functional code. In Python, annotations serve as a significant element that aids in elucidating intricate logic, documenting modifications, and temporarily disabling code during troubleshooting. Annotations play a crucial part in illustrating your reasoning, clarifying complicated portions, or disabling segments of code during the debugging phase. In contrast to some programming languages, Python lacks a built-in syntax specifically for multiline annotations. Nevertheless, there are several efficient strategies for creating multiline comments in Python. This article discusses techniques, styles, and optimal practices for crafting clear multiline comments, as well as frequent pitfalls to avoid.
There are instances where single-line annotations may not suffice. In such cases, multiline comments provide greater versatility. Annotations assist in maintaining the readability of your code, even long after it has been written. Lacking annotations, even well-written code can prove challenging to interpret for others or for yourself at a later time. Python offers various approaches to create multiline comments. This facilitates the documentation of larger segments of code or logic blocks.
Why Are Multiline Comments Beneficial in Python?
Multiline comments are optimal for elucidating complex logic, clarifying configuration areas, or offering context for design choices. They are particularly advantageous in collaborative projects or when handling extensive scripts. These comments contribute to a tidy and manageable codebase, particularly when collaborating with others or working on significant projects. They allow you to swiftly disable parts of your code during debugging without the need for deletion.
Prior to delving into multiline comments, it is essential to grasp single-line annotations in Python using the symbol #. Single-line comments represent the most straightforward and commonly utilized format. They begin with a hash symbol and continue until the end of the line. These comments are ideal for brief clarifications or notes regarding the subsequent code.
Example: Single-Line Comment
Python
Code Copied!
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editor30089.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor30089.clearSelection();
editor30089.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML30089(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, “text/html”);
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard30089() {
const code = editor30089.getValue(); // Get code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
jQuery(“.maineditor30089 .copymessage”).show();
setTimeout(function() {
jQuery(“.maineditor30089 .copymessage”).hide();
}, 2000);
}).catch(err => {
console.error(“Error copying code: “, err);
});
}
function runCode30089() {
var code = editor30089.getSession().getValue();
// Bind event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById(“copyBtn30089”).addEventListener(“click”, copyCodeToClipboard30089);
document.getElementById(“runBtn30089”).addEventListener(“click”, runCode30089);
document.getElementById(“closeoutputBtn30089”).addEventListener(“click”, closeOutput30089);
Result:
Clarification: In this case, the # symbol instructs Python to disregard everything to the right. You may place it at the start of a line or adjacent to a line of code to detail what that line executes.
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Multiline Comments: Varieties and Illustrations in Python
Python does not possess a specific multiline comment syntax akin to /* … */ found in C or Java. Nonetheless, there exists a variety of effective approaches. Mastering these alternatives permits adaptable commenting contingent on context and code organization. Each method serves a unique function, making the correct choice pivotal for enhancing code clarity and maintainability.
Python provides three efficient methods for creating multiline comments:
Utilizing # in Python: Prefix each line with a # symbol.
Triple-Quoted Strings: Employ”’ or “”” for block comments that are not assigned to variables.
Docstrings: Implemented within functions, classes, or modules for documentation objectives.
Now, let’s delve into these types in further detail with examples:
1. Utilizing # in Python
This is the predominant method to create multiline comments in Python. You merely prefix each line with a # symbol.
Illustration:
Python
Code Copied!
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editor10487.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the default text
editor10487.clearSelection();
editor10487.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML10487(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, “text/html”);
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to duplicate code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard10487() {
const code = editor10487.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert(“Code duplicated to clipboard!”);
data: {
language: “python”,
code: code,
cmd_line_args: “”,
variablenames: “”,
action:”compilerajax”
},
success: function(response) {
var myArray = response.split(“~”);
var data = myArray[1];
jQuery(“.output10487”).html(“
"+data+"");
jQuery(".maineditor10487 .code-editor-output").show();
jQuery("#runBtn10487 i.run-code").hide();
}
})
}
function closeOutput10487() {
var code = editor10487.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor10487 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Bind event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn10487").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard10487);
document.getElementById("runBtn10487").addEventListener("click", runCode10487);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn10487").addEventListener("click", closeOutput10487);
Result:
Clarification: In this instance, each line that starts with # is overlooked by the Python interpreter. This approach is lucid, comprehensible, and recognized by all IDEs and linters. Linters are tools for static code analysis that review code without its execution, offering insights on potential errors, stylistic concerns, and inconsistencies.
2. Utilizing Triple-Quoted Strings in Python
Python enables strings encapsulated in triple quotes (”’
``````html
or “””) to extend across numerous lines. If you insert these sequences in your script without allocating them to any variable or function, they will be disregarded during runtime. Bear in mind that if they’re not assigned to a variable or employed as a docstring, they will still be regarded by the interpreter as strings. This indicates that they aren’t overlooked like comments and can result in unintended outcomes if misused.
Example:
Python
Code Copied!
Output:
Explanation: The above array of triple-quoted text is a string that Python does not allocate during execution. It behaves like a multiline comment but may trigger warnings in certain code analyzers.
Note: This string should not be mistaken for a comment. It is processed and stored in memory, contrasting with genuine comments utilizing #, which are entirely nullified.
3. Implementing Docstrings in Python
Docstrings are particular string literals that appear as the initial statement in a module, function, class, or method definition. They serve documentation purposes and can be accessed through the __doc__ attribute or the help() function. Utilizing docstrings outside of these scenarios is not conventional and could induce misunderstanding.
function dismissOutput93781() {
var code = editor93781.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor93781 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Attach event handlers to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn93781").addEventListener("click", duplicateCodeToClipboard93781);
document.getElementById("runBtn93781").addEventListener("click", executeCode93781);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn93781").addEventListener("click", dismissOutput93781);
Output:
Explanation: Here, docstrings serve as documentation and can function as a structured multiline comment, particularly for documenting blocks of code.
Note: Refrain from using docstrings as generic multiline comments. They are designed for documentation purposes and are stored in memory, making them inappropriate for general commenting uses.
Comparison Chart: Techniques to Write Multiline Comments in Python
Technique
Syntax
Interpreter Behavior
Optimal Use Case
# Single-Line Comments
# comment (one per line)
Completely ignored
Commenting out sections or logic during troubleshooting
Triple-Quoted Strings
” comment ” or “”” comment “””
Recognized as unassigned strings
Temporary commenting for sizable portions
Docstrings
“”” docstring “””
Stored in memory; retrievable via help() or __doc__
Documenting functions, classes, or modules
Commenting Multiple Lines Using Keyboard Shortcuts in Python IDEs
Modern IDEs facilitate commenting multiple lines through keyboard shortcuts. This boosts efficiency and reduces repetitive typing. Familiarity with these shortcuts expedites the process of enabling or disabling sections of code while debugging, leading to a smoother experience. Although shortcuts vary between IDEs, they typically follow similar conventions.
VS Code: Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux), Cmd + / (macOS)
function closeoutput34269() {
var code = editor34269.getSession().getValue();
jQuery(".maineditor34269 .code-editor-output").hide();
}
// Bind event listeners to the buttons
document.getElementById("copyBtn34269").addEventListener("click", copyCodeToClipboard34269);
document.getElementById("runBtn34269").addEventListener("click", runCode34269);
document.getElementById("closeoutputBtn34269").addEventListener("click", closeoutput34269);
Clarification: Using a shortcut, you can swiftly toggle comments on multiple lines instead of manually inserting # for each line.
Do Comments Influence the Speed or Behavior of Your Python Program?
Comments do not affect the performance or behavior during runtime. The Python interpreter ignores all comments while executing the code. Regardless of the number of comments you include, Python eliminates them prior to execution, ensuring they do not delay your program. This allows you to add comments for better understanding without impacting application speed.
Let’s run a program absent of comments to observe the execution duration.
Illustration:
Python
Code Duplicated!
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editor24217.setValue(decodedContent); // Set the standard text
editor24217.clearSelection();
editor24217.setOptions({
maxLines: Infinity
});
function decodeHTML24217(input) {
var doc = new DOMParser().parseFromString(input, "text/html");
return doc.documentElement.textContent;
}
// Function to copy code to clipboard
function copyCodeToClipboard24217() {
const code = editor24217.getValue(); // Retrieve code from the editor
navigator.clipboard.writeText(code).then(() => {
// alert("Code duplicated to clipboard!");
Python offers straightforward and flexible methods for composing multiline comments without a specific syntax like other programming languages. You can employ various techniques, such as utilizing multiple single-line comments with # or employing triple-quoted strings (docstrings) to enhance the readability and maintenance of your code. Comments bridge the gap between users' comprehension and the code's logic. They also facilitate problem-solving and collaboration by clearly delineating the code's logic. Quality comments render your code clean, dependable, and straightforward to understand and utilize.
Q1. Does Python provide support for native multiline comments?
No. Python lacks built-in syntax for multiline comments. Instead, you can utilize # lines or triple-quoted strings to achieve a similar effect.
Q2. Are the functions of docstrings and comments identical?
Not necessarily. Docstrings serve as a form of documentation associated with functions, classes, and modules, while comments are entirely disregarded by the interpreter.
Q3. Can I try to nest multiline comments?
Since Python considers triple quotes as strings collectively, nesting them would result in syntax errors or logical bugs.
Q4. Do comments have the ability to enlarge the final program's size?
No. Comments are removed during execution and do not influence bytecode or memory consumption.
Q5. Is it essential to comment on every line of code?
Not necessarily. Comment only when needed, especially when the code isn't self-explanatory or requires additional context.
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