WikiGalaxy
Java Comments
Introduction to Comments:
Comments in Java are used to provide explanations or annotations within the code. They help make the code more readable and maintainable by providing context or notes for developers.
// This is a single-line comment
/* This is a
multi-line comment */
/**
* This is a documentation comment
* used for generating API documentation
*/
Single-line Comments
Usage:
Single-line comments start with two forward slashes (//). Anything following the slashes on that line is considered a comment.
int x = 10; // Initialize x with value 10
System.out.println(x); // Print x to console
Multi-line Comments
Usage:
Multi-line comments begin with /* and end with */. They can span multiple lines and are useful for commenting out blocks of code.
/* This is a multi-line comment.
It can span several lines.
Useful for detailed explanations. */
int y = 20;
Documentation Comments
Purpose:
Documentation comments are used to describe classes, methods, or fields. They are processed by Javadoc to generate HTML documentation.
/**
* This method adds two numbers.
* @param a First number
* @param b Second number
* @return Sum of a and b
*/
public int add(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
Commenting Code for Debugging
Technique:
Comments can be used to temporarily disable code during debugging. This helps isolate sections of code to identify issues.
// System.out.println("Debug this line");
int z = 30;
System.out.println(z);
Best Practices for Comments
Guidelines:
Comments should be concise and relevant. Avoid stating the obvious. Use comments to explain why something is done, not what is being done.
// Calculate the area of a circle
double area = Math.PI * radius * radius;
Using Comments for Code Maintenance
Maintenance Strategy:
Comments can indicate areas of code that need improvement or refactoring. They act as reminders for future code maintenance tasks.
// TODO: Optimize this loop for performance
for (int i = 0; i < list.size(); i++) {
process(list.get(i));
}
Avoiding Over-commenting
Pitfall:
Over-commenting can clutter the code and make it harder to read. Ensure that comments add value and do not repeat what the code itself conveys.
// Increment counter
counter++; // Avoid redundant comments like this
Comments for Collaboration
Team Communication:
Comments can facilitate collaboration by providing insights or questions for team members. They help in understanding the thought process behind code decisions.
// Check with team if this logic covers all edge cases
if (condition) {
executeTask();
}
Comments in Legacy Code
Legacy Systems:
In legacy code, comments are crucial for understanding outdated or complex logic. They help new developers navigate and update old systems.
// Legacy code: Refactor when possible
processLegacyData();
