1. / Comment /: A Correct Comment Format

“/* Comment */” is a widely recognized and accepted comment format in many programming languages, including C, C++, Java, and others. This format is used for both single-line and multiline comments, making it versatile for providing detailed explanations within the code.

Here’s why “/* Comment */” is considered a correct comment format:

Enclosed within Symbols:

This format uses the /* and */ symbols to enclose comments. Everything between these symbols is treated as a comment and is not executed by the program. This clear and consistent use of symbols makes it easy for developers to identify and recognize comments in the code.

Versatility:

The “/* Comment */” format allows for multiline comments, meaning you can include multiple lines of explanatory text within the comment block. This is particularly useful for providing detailed documentation, describing complex algorithms, or giving context to specific sections of code.

Widely Accepted:

The “/* Comment */” format is used in many programming languages, which makes it a standard and widely accepted way of commenting. This consistency in comment format across different languages helps developers who work with multiple programming languages to maintain a consistent commenting style.

Now, let’s examine why the other options provided are not correct comment formats:

2. “*/ Comments */:

The “*/ Comments */” format starts with the closing / symbol and ends with the closing / symbol. This format is used to close multiline comments in some specific languages like CSS. However, it is not a standard way to begin comments. In most programming languages, you must use the / symbol to open a comment. The absence of / to open the comment would result in a syntax error.

3. ** Comment ** :

The “** Comment **” format uses double asterisks to enclose comments. While this format may resemble a comment in some contexts, it is not a widely recognized or accepted comment syntax in mainstream programming languages.

Double asterisks are often used for text formatting in Markdown or for indicating special documentation comments in some documentation generators. However, in the context of code, this format is not standard for comments in most programming languages.

4. { Comment }:

The “{ Comment }” format uses curly braces to enclose comments. Curly braces are typically used to define code blocks or scopes in programming languages. Placing comments within curly braces would typically be interpreted as code by the compiler or interpreter, not as comments.

Therefore, using curly braces in this way is not a standard comment format in most programming languages and would likely result in syntax errors.

In summary, “/* Comment */” is a correct comment format because it is widely recognized, follows a consistent syntax, and is used for both single-line and multiline comments in many programming languages.

The other options, while they may resemble comments in certain contexts or languages, are not considered standard comment formats in mainstream programming languages. Using the correct comment format is crucial for ensuring that comments are treated as comments by the compiler or interpreter and for maintaining code readability and correctness.

Proper commenting is an essential practice in software development, as it helps not only the original developer but also other team members who may work on the code in the future. Well-documented code is easier to understand, debug, and maintain, ultimately leading to more efficient and error-free software development processes.