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JavaScript Comments

Comments in JavaScript are crucial for code readability and maintenance. They allow developers to explain their code, make notes, or temporarily disable certain parts of a script.

Types of Comments

1. Single-line Comments

Single-line comments start with two forward slashes (//) and continue until the end of the line.


// This is a single-line comment
let x = 5; // You can also add comments at the end of a line of code
    

2. Multi-line Comments

Multi-line comments, also known as block comments, start with /* and end with */. They can span multiple lines.


/*
This is a multi-line comment.
It can span several lines.
Useful for longer explanations.
*/
    

Best Practices for Using Comments

  • Use comments to explain complex logic or algorithms
  • Avoid over-commenting obvious code
  • Keep comments up-to-date with code changes
  • Use clear and concise language in your comments

JSDoc Comments

JSDoc is a special type of multi-line comment used for documenting JavaScript code. It starts with /** and ends with */.


/**
 * Calculates the sum of two numbers.
 * @param {number} a - The first number.
 * @param {number} b - The second number.
 * @returns {number} The sum of a and b.
 */
function sum(a, b) {
    return a + b;
}
    

JSDoc comments are particularly useful when working with JavaScript Functions as they provide detailed information about parameters and return values.

Using Comments for Debugging

Comments can be used to temporarily disable code during debugging. This technique is often called "commenting out" code.


// console.log("This line won't be executed");
console.log("This line will be executed");
    

While commenting out code can be useful for quick tests, it's generally better to use proper JavaScript Debugging techniques for more complex issues.

Comments and Code Style

The use of comments is an important aspect of JavaScript Code Style. Well-placed comments can significantly improve code readability and maintainability.

"Code tells you how, comments tell you why." - Jeff Atwood

Remember, the best code is self-documenting. Use comments to explain why something is done, not what is done. Clear, descriptive variable and function names can often reduce the need for extensive comments.

Conclusion

Comments are a powerful tool in JavaScript programming. When used effectively, they can greatly enhance code quality and collaboration among developers. However, it's important to strike a balance and not rely too heavily on comments for code clarity.