Is Code Commenting Dead?

The debate over the use of comments in code development is ongoing. Some advocate for their necessity, while others argue their obsolescence. This article aims to dissect the age-old question: is code commenting truly dead?

The Self-Explanatory Argument

During moments of active software development, when the code is fresh in the developer's mind, the need for comments might seem minimal. After all, well-named classes, members, variables, and arguments can be self-explanatory. Hold the development for a month or hand-off the code to someone else, and the true state of affairs becomes apparent. Most of the 'self-commenting' was deeply rooted in the developer's understanding, not written into the code.

When Comments Add Value

While detailed comments on trivial parts of code may seem redundant, there is value in providing context and clarification, especially in complex or ambiguous areas. A well-developed application should focus on meaningful, descriptive naming. Ambiguous code can often be refactored into sub-routines with proper names, eliminating the need for comments to explain it.

However, in certain scenarios, comments prove indispensable. Legacy systems, third-party dependencies, or particularly obscure operations (like bitwise shifts) may require additional context. Even when such reasons exist, comments should enhance, not replace, the primary code.

Is Code Commenting Dead?

The answer lies in a nuanced understanding. Code commenting is not entirely dead. It has evolved to become a more selective practice. Instead of commenting everything to bridge naming gaps or improve readability, the emphasis should be on maintaining clean, readable code through proper naming and structure.

The Modern Developer's Approach

Modern developers striving for clarity in code often choose to group complex operations into functions and explain why (not how) these functions operate. For instance, a method named getUser() should be self-explanatory. Adding a comment explaining that it gets a user is redundant and can become outdated as the codebase evolves.

While version control systems manage change histories, comments should not duplicate this information. Instead, focus on highlighting unusual or complex logic that may be hard to grasp at first glance.

Comments as Last Resort

Comments should be used sparingly, only where necessary, and as a last resort. They should augment the code, not overshadow it. Overusing comments can lead to information overload and diminish the overall readability of the code. If a significant amount of the code is surrounded by comments, it might be a sign that the code needs restructuring.

Bad code often leads to more comment-centric changes, which creates a cycle of technical debt. To improve code quality, developers should prioritize clear and understandable code over extensive commentary. Regular reviews and refactoring of code can help maintain and enhance its readability and maintainability.

The Road to Clean Code

For developers facing heavy comment-laden codebases, it might be beneficial to explore practices like Clean Code by Robert C. Martin. Clean code emphasizes clear, concise, and maintainable code practices. Adopting these principles can help reduce the need for excessive comments and enhance the overall quality of the application.

Ultimately, the use of comments should reflect a commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and understandable code. By focusing on proper naming conventions and well-structured code, developers can minimize the need for extensive comments, leading to a more robust and sustainable software development process.