Final answer:
Comments in programming are used to document parts of a program within the source code for the benefit of human readers and are ignored by the compiler or interpreter. They play a crucial role in enhancing the readability and maintainability of the code. Different programming languages have different syntax for writing comments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comments are lines in a computer program that are used to provide explanations and information about the code, assisting individuals who read or maintain the source code. These comments are integral for documenting the purpose, logic, and various parts of the program, making it easier to understand the code's intent. Comments are especially useful for explaining complex algorithms, and configurations, or citing references to the related documentation.
In programming, comments are ignored by the compiler or interpreter. This means that they do not affect how a program runs, and thus their sole purpose is for human readers. Different programming languages have different ways to denote comments. For example, in Python, a comment is made using the '#' symbol, in Java and C++, double slashes '//' begin a single-line comment, and in HTML, comments are enclosed with ''.
It is a best practice in software development to regularly update comments and keep them relevant to the code they describe. Effective commenting can greatly improve the maintainability and readability of software, making it easier for current and future developers to understand and modify the code.