COMMENT OUT Meaning and
Definition
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"Comment out" is a term commonly used in computer programming, particularly in the context of coding languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python. It refers to the process of temporarily deactivating or disabling a section of code by excluding it from being executed during the program's runtime.
When a developer "comments out" a piece of code, they typically add specific characters or symbols that serve as markers or indicators to the compiler or interpreter, informing it to ignore that particular section. Such symbols often include double forward slashes "//", a hash symbol "#", or a pair of opening and closing tags like "/*" and "*/".
The purpose of commenting out code is to allow programmers to debug or troubleshoot their programs more efficiently. By isolating problematic sections of code, they are able to test different functionalities, experiment with alternative approaches, or remove particular portions without permanently deleting them. It helps in reducing errors during program execution and, at the same time, makes it easier to track the changes made to the code for future reference.
Commenting out is also useful in providing explanations or documentation within the code itself. Developers can add comments to describe the purpose, functionality, or important details about a section of code. These comments help other developers understand the code and its intended usage, especially when working collaboratively or returning to the code after a long period of time.
Common Misspellings for COMMENT OUT
- xomment out
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- fomment out
- domment out
- cimment out
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Etymology of COMMENT OUT
The term "comment out" originated in the field of computer programming.
The word "comment" refers to a section of code that is meant to provide clarification or documentation within a program. Comments are messages written in the source code, which are ignored by the compiler or interpreter and thus do not affect the execution of the program. They are typically used to explain the purpose or functionality of certain code segments to other developers.
The term "out" in this context means to temporarily disable or exclude a portion of code from being executed. By "commenting out" a specific code segment, programmers can effectively prevent it from being run without deleting the code entirely. This can be useful for troubleshooting, debugging, or temporarily disabling certain functions within the program.
So, the etymology of "comment out" comes from the practice of using comments to deactivate or exclude code temporarily within programming.
