Python Comments and Line Continuation
Comments:
Used to explain code, provide instructions, or disable code sections.
Single-line comments: Start with #. Everything after # on that line is ignored by the interpreter.
Multiline comments: Use triple quotes (''' or """). Everything between the quotes is ignored.
Example:
Python
# This is a single-line comment.
"""
This is a multiline comment.
It can span multiple lines.
"""
# This line is disabled using a single-line comment.
print("This line will not be executed.")
Line Continuation:
Used to break long lines of code into multiple lines for readability.
Achieved by using a backslash (\) at the end of the line without spaces.
The next line is treated as a continuation of the current one.
Example:
Python
long_expression = 10 + \
20 + \
30
print(long_expression) # Output: 60
Best Practices:
Use comments sparingly but effectively to explain complex logic or non-obvious code.
Use meaningful and descriptive comments that accurately reflect the code's purpose.
Maintain consistent indentation for both code and comments.
Use line continuation judiciously to avoid making code overly fragmented. Consider alternative approaches like using parentheses for complex expressions if possible.
Additional Notes:
Comments are not removed during execution, so they are included in the final compiled bytecode.
Commenting out code is a common way to temporarily disable sections for testing or debugging.
Line continuation can also be used within strings and parentheses for clarity.
I hope this comprehensive explanation helps!
What are Comparison Operators?
Comparison operators are symbols used to compare two values in Python. They produce a Boolean result – either True or False. These operators form the backbone of decision-making within your code.
Common Comparison Operators
Here's a table of the most common comparison operators in Python:
Using Comparison Operators
Let's look at some examples:
Python
age = 25
if age >= 18:
print("You are eligible to vote.")
num1 = 10
num2 = 5
if num1 != num2:
print("The numbers are different.")
Key Points
Boolean Results: Comparisons always yield either True or False.
Conditional Statements: Comparison operators are essential within if, elif, and else statements for controlling the flow of your programs.
Loops: They help create conditions for loops like while and for (e.g., while i < 10).
Chaining Comparisons: You can chain multiple comparisons together: 10 < x < 20