Home > Article > Web Front-end > How to Write Clear and Effective Code Comments in JavaScript with Better Comments
When working in JavaScript, writing clear and structured comments is essential for maintainable code. The Better Comments extension for Visual Studio Code takes this further by color-coding different types of comments to increase readability. You can download it here. Let’s explore how to use it for best commenting practices.
Better Comments categorizes comments by purpose, including the following types:
Instead of restating what the code does, focus on why specific code is necessary. Better Comments allows us to use // ? to mark questions or explanations that clarify reasoning.
Example:
javascript Copy code // ? Increment by 2 to loop through only odd numbers for (let i = 1; i < 10; i += 2) { console.log(i); }
For complex logic, the //! notation can indicate important sections in Better Comments. This helps future maintainers quickly recognize essential explanations.
Example:
javascript Copy code //! Custom sort function to prioritize items with the highest scores, then alphabetically by name items.sort((a, b) => { if (a.score === b.score) return a.name.localeCompare(b.name); return b.score - a.score; });
Provide purpose, inputs, and outputs at the beginning of functions and classes. Use Better Comments for clarity: // ? for explanatory comments and // TODO for pending improvements.
Example:
javascript Copy code // ? Calculates the total price of items in the cart // TODO: Add handling for discount codes in future iterations /** * Calculates the total price of items in the cart. * @param {Array} items - Array of item objects with price and quantity. * @returns {number} - The total price. */ function calculateTotal(items) { return items.reduce((total, item) => total + item.price * item.quantity, 0); }
Avoid stating obvious information in comments. If the function name generateID() is clear, you can skip the comment entirely, or use a simple // ? comment to note specific design choices.
Example (to avoid):
javascript Copy code // ? Generates a unique identifier string function generateID() { return Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 9); }
Following a consistent commenting style, especially with Better Comments colors, helps team members understand comments quickly and spot important notes.
Outdated comments mislead readers. With Better Comments, you can use // TODO for reminders or //! to highlight changes.
If the code has workarounds or known limitations, document them with Better Comments. The // ! style can be used for critical issues, drawing attention to any known bugs or necessary fixes.
Example:
javascript Copy code // ? Increment by 2 to loop through only odd numbers for (let i = 1; i < 10; i += 2) { console.log(i); }
Use // ? in Better Comments to highlight edge cases, helping future readers understand why certain handling exists.
Example:
javascript Copy code //! Custom sort function to prioritize items with the highest scores, then alphabetically by name items.sort((a, b) => { if (a.score === b.score) return a.name.localeCompare(b.name); return b.score - a.score; });
With the Better Comments extension, you can make your JavaScript comments more effective by using color-coded tags to clarify intentions, mark tasks, highlight important sections, and handle edge cases. This approach ensures your code is easy to understand, maintain, and extend.
Happy coding and commenting with Better Comments!
The above is the detailed content of How to Write Clear and Effective Code Comments in JavaScript with Better Comments. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!