PHP has three comment styles: //, # for single-line and /.../ for multi-line. Use comments to explain why code exists, not what it does. Mark TODO/FIXME items and disable code temporarily during debugging. Avoid over-commenting simple logic. Write concise, grammatically correct comments and update them when code changes. Use PHPDoc blocks for APIs to improve IDE support and documentation clarity.
When you're working with PHP, comments aren't just for explaining confusing bits of code—they’re a tool to make your life easier and keep things running smoothly. Whether you're debugging, collaborating, or coming back to something weeks later, knowing how and when to comment is key.

Understanding the Basics: What PHP Comment Syntax Looks Like
PHP offers a couple of ways to write comments, and they each have their place. The most common are:
-
//
— Used for single-line comments. -
#
— Also for single-line comments (more common in shell scripts, but valid in PHP too). -
/* ... */
— For multi-line comments, which can also be used inline.
// This function adds two numbers function add($a, $b) { return $a $b; } /* This is a longer explanation that spans multiple lines. Useful for documenting complex logic. */
It's worth noting that while //
and #
work similarly, sticking to one style across a project makes the codebase cleaner and more consistent. If you're working in a team, check if there's a standard already in place.

When to Use Comments: Practical Situations
There are a few solid reasons to drop a comment into your PHP code:
- Explaining why, not what – Don’t state the obvious. Instead of writing “Loop through users,” explain why you're looping through them, like applying special rules for admins.
- Marking todo items – It’s common to use
// TODO:
or// FIXME:
to flag areas that need attention later. - Disabling code temporarily – During debugging, wrapping a section in
/* ... */
can help test without deleting anything.
One thing to avoid is over-commenting simple logic. Trust yourself and your team to read basic conditionals or loops without being walked through every step.

Best Practices for Writing Useful Comments
Good comments don’t just describe code—they make it easier to understand and maintain. Here are some habits to build:
- Keep it short and to the point. Long paragraphs get skipped.
- Use full sentences and correct grammar. It reads better and shows care.
- Update comments when the code changes. Outdated comments are worse than no comments at all.
Also, if you're building a library or API meant for others, consider using PHPDoc blocks. They support IDE auto-completion and provide structure:
/** * Adds two integers and returns the result. * * @param int $a First number * @param int $b Second number * @return int Sum of $a and $b */ function add($a, $b) { return $a $b; }
These take a bit more time upfront but pay off in clarity and usability.
That’s basically it—comments in PHP are straightforward but powerful when used thoughtfully. It’s not about writing more, it’s about making sure what you do write actually helps someone down the line.
The above is the detailed content of Why We Comment: A PHP Guide. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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