Annotations are crucial in PHP development, and reasonable annotations can improve code readability and maintenance. When choosing an annotation method, 1. Single-line comments (// or #) are suitable for explaining single-line code or temporary blocking code; 2. Multi-line comments (/ .../) are suitable for explaining function, class or file header information, but nested use should be avoided. 3. It is recommended to write DocBlock comments for functions and classes to clarify the purpose, parameters and return values to support IDE prompts and document generation. 4. Comments need to be modified synchronously as the code is updated to delete useless comments to prevent misleading. 5. Complex logic should be explained "why" rather than just describing operations. 6. The comments should be concise and clear, avoid lengthy and nonsense, and it is recommended to use Chinese writing. Although good annotation habits are small, they can significantly improve the quality of the code.
Comments are the most easily overlooked part when writing code, but they are an important tool to make the code more readable and more maintainable. As a widely used backend language, PHP not only helps you clarify the logic, but also makes team collaboration smoother.

Single-line comment vs Multi-line comment: How to choose?
In PHP, there are three commonly used annotation methods: //
, #
and /* */
.
- Single-line comments (
//
or#
) are suitable for explaining the role of a certain line of code, or temporarily blocking a piece of code. - Multi-line comments (
/* ... */
) are more suitable for explaining function functions, class functions, or file header information.
suggestion:

- For a brief description
//
- Descriptions above functions or classes use multi-line comments
- Avoid nesting use of
/* */
, making errors prone
Comments to functions and classes: Don't skip DocBlock
Many developers only write function codes and not comments when writing functions. But in team development, a clear function annotation can save a lot of communication costs.
It is recommended to use DocBlock format to write function comments, for example:

/** * Calculate total user points* * @param int $userId User ID * @return int User current points*/ function calculateUserPoints($userId) { // ... }
benefit:
- Supports IDE automatic prompt parameters and return values
- You can use tools to generate documents (such as phpDocumentor)
- Improve code maintainability
Even for a small function, it is recommended to write the purpose, parameter meaning and return value type.
Comments need to be updated, don't let them "invalid"
It is one of the most common problems to just leave the comments alone. For example, if a certain paragraph has been changed, but the comments are still stuck in the old version, this will mislead readers.
suggestion:
- When modifying the code, check whether the relevant comments need to be updated.
- Remove useless old comments and avoid "garbage comments"
- For complex logic, you can explain "why" instead of "what was done" in the comments
For example:
// Use regular replacement to be compatible with old data formats
Such comments are more valuable than "replace strings".
Writing comments is not writing essays, just be clear
Some people think that the notes must be written as rigorously as the instruction manual, but it is actually unnecessary. The key is to express the intention clearly without pursuing literary talent.
Note:
- Don't write nonsense, such as "set variable to true"
- Try to write comments in Chinese (unless it is an international team)
- Control the comment ratio, not longer than the code
Basically that's it. Good annotation habits don't take much time, but in the long run, it will greatly improve the quality of your code.
The above is the detailed content of Essential PHP Commenting Tips. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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