How to Use PHP to Comment One Line of Code

Comments are an essential part of writing clean, maintainable code.

In PHP, adding a one-line comment is a straightforward way to document your logic, explain your code, or temporarily disable it for debugging purposes.

Let’s explore how to write a PHP comment on one line, some useful shortcuts, and best practices for keeping comments clear and effective.

What Is a PHP One-Line Comment?

In PHP, a one-line comment is a statement ignored by the interpreter. It begins with special characters and runs until the end of the line. Here are two ways to write a one-line comment in PHP:

// This is a single-line comment using double slashes
# This is another single-line comment using a hash

Both styles work the same way, so you can use whichever feels more natural or aligns with your project standards.

How to Write a PHP One-Line Comment

1. Using //
   This is the most common way to write one-line comments in PHP. It’s widely used and recognized in other programming languages like JavaScript and C++.

   $total = 100; // This variable stores the total amount
   

2. Using #
   Though less popular, the # symbol can also comment out a single line.

   $discount = 10; # Applying a 10% discount
   

Keyboard Shortcuts for Commenting One Line

Modern text editors and Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) make adding comments quicker with shortcuts. Here are shortcuts for popular editors:

• VS Code:
  Select the line and press Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (Mac).

• PhpStorm:
  Press Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (Mac) to toggle a comment.

• Sublime Text:
  Use Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (Mac).

• Atom:
  Select the line and press Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (Mac).

• Notepad++:
  Highlight the line and press Ctrl + Q.

These shortcuts allow developers to comment and uncomment lines quickly, especially helpful during debugging or testing.

Best Practices for PHP One-Line Comments

1. Keep Comments Brief and Relevant
   A one-line comment should add clarity without overwhelming the reader. Aim to make your comment as concise as possible.

   $price = 50; // Base price before tax
   

2. Know When to Expand to Multiple Lines
   If your explanation requires more detail, use multi-line comments instead of squeezing everything onto one line.

   /*
    This function calculates the total cost
    by adding tax and applying discounts.
   */
   function calculateTotal($price, $tax, $discount) {
       // Single-line comments can still be used inside
       return $price + $tax - $discount;
   }
   

3. Avoid Over-Commenting
   Only comment on what isn’t obvious from the code itself. For example:

   $sum = $a + $b; // Adding $a and $b
   

   The comment here adds little value because the code is self-explanatory.

Why Use PHP One-Line Comments?

• Debugging: Quickly disable a line of code to test alternative logic.
• Documentation: Provide context for why a certain piece of code exists.
• Collaboration: Help teammates understand your thought process.

Resources for Further Learning

Here are some excellent resources to explore for PHP comments and best coding practices:

• PHP Official Documentation on Comments
• VS Code Shortcuts for PHP Development
• PhpStorm Commenting Features
• PHP Coding Standards

Conclusion

Using PHP one-line comments effectively is a key skill for every developer. By understanding the syntax, utilizing editor shortcuts, and adhering to best practices, you can improve the clarity and maintainability of your code. Whether you’re debugging or documenting, one-line comments are your ally in crafting professional-grade PHP scripts.