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How to comment multiple lines in Python

In Python, the # symbol is used for commenting a single line of code. It´s possible to use this character to comment multiple lines, but you'll need to put one by one. If we want to comment multiple lines in a more simple way, then we use the 'docstring' method.
'''
Multi line comment 
with docstring method
'''

Commenting one line in Python

The standard way to comment a line of code on python will be with the # char.

#print("I won't be seen")
print("But I will!")

#Output-> Bit I will!

Commenting more than one line in Python using #

As you may already be thinking, if by using the #char we comment one line, we can spawn them to comment more lines? and the answer is yes! You can do just that.

#print("I won't be seen")
#print("If only I wouldn't have that numeral in front, I would be displayed")
print("But I will! I'm still the best")
#Output-> Bit I will! I'm still the best

Commenting multiple lines with docstring method in Python:

Docstring is the way to go if you want to comment a block of code on Python, since we are missing the /**commented text**/ found on other languages as JavaScript, C#, etc.

'''
print("I won't be seen")
print("If you use the docstring method, I wont be displayed!")
'''
print("But I will! I'm still the best")

#Output-> Bit I will! I'm still the best

In docstring indentation is still important!

If you thought that you could scape indentation because you're commenting, you're wrong. Indentantion is still pretty much needed to prevent errors.

def sumItGood(num1, num2):
"""
This function returns
the sum of 2 given numbers
"""
    return num1 + num2
print(addNumbers(2, 3))

This example will throw IndentationError: expected an indented block becase we're not following the indentantion rule.

If we apply the correct indentation to our code, then we'll receive the expected output of 5 and happily commented the code we wanted.

def sumItGood(num1, num2):
	"""
	This function returns
	the sum of 2 given numbers
	"""
    return num1 + num2
print(addNumbers(2, 3))
#Output-> 5

Related: Why 4Geeks Academy teaches Python as a Backend Language

Commenting multiple lines in Python on different IDEs:

IDE makes our life as developers much easier with keyboard shortcuts and there's one that helps us to comment multiple lines with a single command

  • Visual Studio: Press Ctrl+K then Ctrl+C
  • Spyder IDE: Ctrl+1
  • IDLE: Alt+4
  • Jupyter Notebook: Ctrl+/
  • PyCharm: Ctrl+⇧ Shift+/

Note: These commands will place a # char on the beggining of all the lines selected to comment, will not insert a docstring.

You can check more of our articles at 4Geeks to learn more or solve issues with you coding. Hope you enjoy the reading and keep on the Geek side!