The Power of Comments in Programming
Understanding Code with Clarity
In the world of programming, comments play a vital role in making code more readable and understandable. They are an essential tool for developers to communicate with each other and themselves, ensuring that the code is maintainable and efficient.
Kotlin Comments: A Closer Look
Kotlin, a modern programming language, offers two types of comments: traditional comments and end-of-line comments. Traditional Comments: A Multiline Powerhouse The traditional comment, denoted by /*... */, is a multiline comment that can span multiple lines. The Kotlin compiler ignores everything between /* and */, making it perfect for documenting code with KDoc comments, which start with /** and end with */.
End-of-Line Comments: Quick and Concise
The end-of-line comment, denoted by //, is a concise way to add comments to your code. The compiler ignores everything from // to the end of the line. This type of comment is ideal for adding quick notes or explanations to specific lines of code.
The Art of Using Comments Effectively
Comments should never be used as a substitute for poorly written code. Instead, write well-structured and readable code, and then use comments to provide additional context. While some argue that code should be self-documenting, I believe that comments can be incredibly valuable in explaining complex algorithms, regex, or scenarios where a particular technique was chosen over others.
The Golden Rule: Explain ‘Why’, Not ‘How’
When using comments, focus on explaining the reasoning behind your code rather than the implementation details. This approach ensures that your comments provide valuable insights and don’t simply duplicate what the code already says. By following this rule, you’ll be well on your way to writing clean, maintainable code that’s easy to understand.