Code Comments
Code comments are annotations within source code that are ignored by compilers or interpreters, used to explain the purpose, logic, or functionality of code segments to human readers. They help document code for maintenance, collaboration, and debugging by providing context that isn't immediately obvious from the code itself. Comments can be inline, block-based, or documentation-style, depending on the programming language and conventions.
Developers should use code comments to improve code readability, facilitate team collaboration, and aid in future maintenance, especially in complex or non-intuitive sections. They are essential for documenting APIs, explaining algorithms, noting edge cases, and providing context for legacy code, which reduces onboarding time and prevents errors during modifications. However, over-commenting or stating the obvious should be avoided to keep code clean and maintainable.