Basics
C# Comments
C# Comment Syntax
C# comments use // and /* */ with XML docs for APIs.
Introduction to C# Comments
Comments are an essential part of writing clean and maintainable code in C#. They help developers understand the purpose and functionality of code segments, making collaboration and future maintenance easier. In C#, there are three main types of comments: single-line comments, multi-line comments, and XML documentation comments.
Single-line Comments
Single-line comments in C# start with // and continue until the end of the line. They are useful for brief explanations or notes within the code.
Multi-line Comments
Multi-line comments are used when comments span multiple lines. They start with /* and end with */. This type of comment is ideal for longer explanations or temporarily disabling code blocks.
XML Documentation Comments
XML documentation comments are used for generating documentation for your code, especially for APIs. They start with /// and can include special tags to describe classes, methods, and parameters.
Best Practices for Using Comments
When writing comments, keep the following best practices in mind:
- Be Clear and Concise: Write comments that are easy to understand and straight to the point.
- Keep Comments Updated: Ensure comments are updated along with code changes to avoid confusion.
- Avoid Redundancy: Comments should explain 'why' rather than 'what' if the code is self-explanatory.
- Use XML Comments for APIs: Utilize XML comments to auto-generate documentation for public APIs.
