How to Comment Out Multiple Lines in Python: Formatting & Shortcuts

In Python, commenting out multiple lines of code is essential for debugging, testing, and annotating a script. There are various methods and shortcuts you can use to achieve this efficiently. Let’s explore some of the commonly used techniques:

1. Using the Hash (#) Symbol

The most straightforward way to comment out multiple lines in Python is by using the hash (#) symbol at the beginning of each line you want to comment out. This method is simple and widely used among Python developers.

2. Triple Quotes

Another popular way to comment out multiple lines is by enclosing the block of code within triple quotes (”’) at the beginning and end. While this method is more commonly used for docstrings, it can also serve as a convenient way to comment out a large chunk of code quickly.

3. Keyboard Shortcuts in Code Editors

Many code editors and IDEs provide keyboard shortcuts to comment out multiple lines of code easily. For example, in most code editors, you can select the lines you want to comment out and then use a specific shortcut to add a hash (#) at the beginning of each line.

By mastering these techniques, you can effectively comment out multiple lines of code in Python, improving readability and maintaining clean code. Experiment with these methods to find the one that best suits your workflow and coding style.