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Block Comments in Python
Last Updated : April 20, 2025
Comments
A comment is a piece of text in a computer program that is meant to be a programmer-readable explanation or annotation in the source code and is ignored by compiler/interpreter.
In simpler words, as we start adding more functionality and features to our program the size of code increases! It might happen that when we return to it after a few months we might not be able to understand it and get confused!
Code Readability and Maintainability
Thus adding comments in the program is one of the most important hygiene factors. It is important to make sure that your code can be easily understood by others and you (even when you revisit after a few months). Often text editors highlight comments differently so they can be easily identified.
Usually, the code only tells you how it does but cannot tell you why it does so?
Sometimes our variables are also not named very specifically. However, comments in Python can help us get better clarity. We use comments to explain the formulas and the actual logic behind the particular step/algorithm.
Python can have both Block Comments and Inline Comments,
Block Comments
Block comments apply to the piece of code that it follows. It might apply to a portion of code or the entire code. They are indented to the same level as that code. Each line of comment starts with a #.
Example
# Python program to print
# Hello World
print("Hello World")
Output:
Hello World
Block comments can also be made using ''' '''. Anything written between these quotes is considered as comment.
Example
'''
Python program to print
Hello World
'''
print("Hello World")
Output:
Hello World
Unless it is used right after the definition of a function, method, class, or module. In this case, it becomes a docstring.
Example
def hello():
'''
Here, this is docstring
since it is written right after
the function definition.
below given print statement will print
Hello World
'''
print("Hello World")
if __name__ == "__main__":
# calling hello function
hello()
Output:
Hello World
Inline Comments
An inline comment is a comment on the same line as a statement. Inline comments should be separated by at least two spaces from the statement. They should start with a # and a single space.
Example
print("Hello World") # This is an inline comment
Output:
Hello World
Python Block Comments Exercise
Select the correct option to complete each statement about block comments in Python.
- Python does not have a specific syntax for block comments, but we commonly use ___ lines.
- Another common way to write block comments in Python is by using ___.
- Triple-quoted strings used as comments are not ignored if they are ___.
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