How to Write a Python Multiline Comment?
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A Python multiline comment is used to add explanations, notes, or documentation across multiple lines of Python code. Unlike some programming languages, Python does not have a dedicated multiline comment syntax such as /* … */.
Instead, developers commonly use multiple # symbols or triple-quoted strings for multiline text. The right approach depends on whether the text is a true comment or documentation.
What is a Python Multiline Comment?
Python comments are ignored by the Python interpreter and are primarily used to explain code or leave notes for developers.
A single-line comment starts with #:
# Calculate the total order value
total = price * quantity
For multiple lines, you can place # at the beginning of each line:
# Calculate the total order value
# after applying the available discount
# and adding the applicable tax.
total = price * quantity
This is the most straightforward and recommended way to create a Python multiline comment.
How Do You Write a Multiline Comment in Python?
There are several approaches developers commonly use.
Use the # Symbol on Each Line
The recommended approach is to use # for every line of the comment.
# Load customer information
# from the database and validate
# the required fields.
customer = get_customer(customer_id)
Each line is treated as an individual Python comment. This approach makes the intent clear and works consistently with Python’s commenting conventions.
Use Triple-Quoted Strings
Python also supports triple-quoted strings using either ”’ or “””.
“””
This text spans multiple lines.
It can contain explanations
about how the function works.
“””
However, technically this is not a multiline comment. It is a string literal that is not assigned to a variable.
For example:
def calculate_total(price, quantity):
"""
Calculate the total price
based on price and quantity.
"""
return price * quantity
Here, the triple-quoted string is a docstring, which Python uses to document functions, classes, and modules.
What Is the Difference Between # Comments and Triple Quotes?
Although both approaches can contain multiple lines of text, they serve different purposes.
| Feature | # Comments | Triple-Quoted Strings |
|---|---|---|
| True comment | Yes | No |
| Supports multiple lines | Yes | Yes |
| Commonly used for notes | Yes | No |
| Used for documentation | Sometimes | Yes |
| Creates a string object | No | Yes |
| Suitable for docstrings | No | Yes |
Use # when you want to comment out or explain code. Use triple-quoted strings when you need to create documentation strings, especially for functions, classes, and modules.
Can You Comment Out Multiple Lines in Python?
Yes. You can comment out multiple lines by placing # before each line.
For example:
# connection = create_connection()
# connection.open()
# records = connection.fetch_records()
# connection.close()
print("Processing completed")
This is useful when temporarily disabling a block of code during debugging.
Most Python IDEs and code editors also provide a keyboard shortcut to add or remove # from multiple selected lines.
How Do You Use a Multiline Comment Inside a Function?
You can place a multiline comment inside a function to explain a particular operation.
def process_invoice(invoice):
# Validate the invoice before processing.
# Check that required fields are present
# and that the invoice amount is valid.
if not invoice.get("amount"):
return False
return True
For longer function-level documentation, a docstring is generally more appropriate:
def process_invoice(invoice):
"""
Validate and process an invoice.
The function checks required invoice
information before processing.
"""
if not invoice.get("amount"):
return False
return True
The second approach allows documentation tools and Python’s help() function to access the description.
Is “”” “”” a Multiline Comment in Python?
Not exactly. Triple quotes create a multiline string, not a formal comment.
For example:
"""
This is a multiline string.
It is not technically a comment.
"""
result = calculate_report()
If the string is placed where an expression is allowed but its value is never used, Python may effectively discard it after evaluation. However, it can still be present in compiled code and should not be treated as a replacement for comments.
For documentation, triple-quoted strings are useful as docstrings:
def generate_report():
"""Generate the monthly sales report."""
return report
Therefore, the best practice is to use # for comments and triple-quoted strings for docstrings.
What is the Best Way to Write Python Multiline Comments?
For ordinary comments, use # on each line:
# Fetch the latest transaction records
# and filter out transactions that
# are older than the reporting period.
transactions = get_transactions()
For documentation associated with a function, class, or module, use a docstring:
class ReportGenerator:
"""
Generates reports from transaction data
and exports the results.
"""
pass
This distinction keeps Python code readable and makes documentation easier to maintain.
Key Points
A Python multiline comment is usually created by placing # at the beginning of each line. Python does not provide a dedicated multiline comment syntax.
Triple-quoted strings can span multiple lines, but they are string literals rather than true comments. They are most appropriate for docstrings and structured documentation.
| Method | Syntax | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| Hash symbol | # on each line | Multiline comments |
| Triple double quotes | “””…””” | Docstrings |
| Triple single quotes | ”’…”’ | Multiline strings or docstrings |
| Editor shortcuts | Keyboard shortcuts | Quickly commenting multiple lines |
Tips for Python Multiline Comments
- Use # for ordinary multiline comments.
- Use docstrings to document functions, classes, and modules.
- Avoid using unused triple-quoted strings as a substitute for comments.
- Keep comments focused on explaining why code exists when the code itself already explains what it does.
- Update comments when the associated code changes.
- Use clear and concise language to improve code readability.
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Final Thoughts
A Python multiline comment is most commonly written using # at the beginning of each line. While triple-quoted strings can contain multiple lines, they should primarily be used for docstrings and multiline string values rather than as a replacement for comments.
Using the appropriate commenting method makes Python code easier to understand, maintain, and document, particularly in larger development projects.
Jayanti Katariya is the CEO of BigDataCentric, a leading provider of AI, machine learning, data science, and business intelligence solutions. With 18+ years of industry experience, he has been at the forefront of helping businesses unlock growth through data-driven insights. Passionate about developing creative technology solutions from a young age, he pursued an engineering degree to further this interest. Under his leadership, BigDataCentric delivers tailored AI and analytics solutions to optimize business processes. His expertise drives innovation in data science, enabling organizations to make smarter, data-backed decisions.
