How do you write clear comments in your code?

One might be following an approach where comments clarify the 'why' behind our code. It's like giving our code a voice and explaining its intentions. ????? I totally agree that comments should be like those extra tidbits of information you get on a guided tour, they enhance your understanding but don't overwhelm you with details. In my experience, comments are most valuable when they explain the 'how' and 'why' of a tricky piece of code that might leave others scratching their heads. It's like leaving breadcrumbs for our fellow programmers.

We should have a clear distinction between Documentation and Comments. Documenting a class or a method by adding proper Java docs that specify its purpose and clarify its contract is beneficial and should be done. However, if one has to write comments within the code, then it creates a maintenance overhead as it often becomes outdated. If one needs to write comments within the code, that is a clear call for refactoring.

I firmly advocate against the practice of embedding comments within code for several compelling reasons: Maintenance Implications: Comments necessitate continuous updates, thereby incurring a noteworthy expenditure of development resources over time. Redundancy Concerns: A well-structured and comprehensible codebase should inherently diminish the need for repetitive or superfluous comments, thereby optimizing readability and maintainability. Misleading Documentation: Comments, when relied upon exclusively for documentation, may inadvertently impart a deceptive sense of comprehensive code understanding. This illusion of thorough documentation can potentially lead to critical oversights in the development process.

In my experience, it's best to comment on those parts of our code that might be tricky for someone else to grasp. Like giving directions in a complex maze, we don't need signs on every straight path, just at the junctions and dead ends. ??♂? So, personally, I prefer to comment strategically, focusing on the 'aha' moments in my code, so that anyone reading it can follow the storyline without getting lost. ???

In code documentation, we must define what merits commentary, primarily focusing on elements seen as technical debt. Key principles include: Large Code Blocks: Document code segments surpassing function scope for better comprehension. Clarity Priority: Unclear code should be refactored for improved maintainability, not merely commented. Focus on small, enigmatic code fragments, categorized as: Alien Code: Segments deviating from a function's core purpose warrant comprehensive documentation. Obfuscated Code: Complex math or algorithmic sections should be commented on for easy identification.

I totally agree that when it comes to commenting, it's like writing little notes for our future self or our code's next reader. Personally, I prefer to use inline comments for quick explanations right where they're needed. It's like having footnotes in a book – they don't disrupt the flow, but they provide valuable insights. ?? And remember, we should prune our comments when they become outdated or irrelevant. It keeps your codebase still tidy. So, following these comment conventions not only makes our code more understandable but also shows that we care about the people who will read it. ??

With more than two decades of experience in software engineering, the question isn't merely "Why" or "What," but "How" can we optimize our practices? Adopt a ubiquitous language in your comments and code. This shared vocabulary is crucial for effective team collaboration. Address technical debt proactively. Use "TODO:" comments to flag pending issues, preventing them from being overlooked and mitigating long-term risks. Leverage efficiency tools like static analyzers and code formatters. These standardize coding style and elevate the code and product quality. So, what's in your toolkit? The right tools are essential for achieving your coding objectives.