Quiz 140 - Comments in Python code

Which symbol is used to create a single-line comment in Python?

• --

• //

• /* */

• #

Answer explanation

In Python, the symbol used to create a single-line comment is '#'. This symbol indicates that everything following it on that line is a comment and will not be executed as code. The other options are not valid for comments in Python.

What will happen if you write this code?

• Only the first comment will be ignored.

• The interpreter will ignore the comments.

• The comments will be printed.

• Python will raise a syntax error.

Answer explanation

In Python, comments are preceded by a '#' symbol and are ignored by the interpreter. Therefore, regardless of how many comments are present, they will not affect the execution of the code.

How do you write a multi-line comment in Python?

• ''' This is a multi-line comment '''

• -- This is a multi-line comment --

• # This is a multi-line comment

• /* This is a multi-line comment */

Answer explanation

In Python, multi-line comments can be created using triple quotes (''' or """). The correct choice is ''' This is a multi-line comment '''. Other options are not valid for multi-line comments in Python.

Which of the following are ways to write a multi-line comment in Python?

• -- This is a multiline comment in Python --

• /* This is a multiline comment in Python */

• " This is a multiline comment in Python "

• # This is a multiline # comment in Python

Answer explanation

In Python, multi-line comments are typically written using triple quotes (""" or ''') for docstrings, but the correct choice here is using the '#' symbol for single-line comments. The other options are not valid in Python.

The primary purpose of comments in Python is to

• increase the execution speed of the program.

• define variables dynamically.

• provide documentation and explanations for the code.

• execute alternative versions of the code.

Answer explanation

The primary purpose of comments in Python is to provide documentation and explanations for the code, making it easier for others (and yourself) to understand the logic and purpose behind the code.

Which of the following will NOT create a comment in Python?

• # This is a comment

• ''' This is a comment '''

• print("Hello") # Comment here

• // This is a comment

Answer explanation

The choice '// This is a comment' is incorrect because Python does not recognize '//' as a comment syntax. In Python, comments are created using '#' or triple quotes (''' or """).

How can you use comments to disable code in Python?

• // print("This line is disabled")

• /* print("This line is disabled") */

• # print("This line is disabled")

• -- print("This line is disabled")

Answer explanation

In Python, comments are made using the '#' symbol. The correct choice, '# print("This line is disabled")', effectively disables the code on that line. The other options are not valid comment syntax in Python.

Docstrings are a

• a command to print output.

• method for debugging code.

• way to store global variables.

• type of comment used for documenting functions and classes.

Answer explanation

Docstrings are a type of comment used for documenting functions and classes in Python. They provide a convenient way to associate documentation with code, making it easier to understand the purpose and usage of functions and classes.

Where should docstrings be placed in a Python function?

• before the function definition

• at the end of the script

• inside the function, as the first statement

• after the function return statement

Answer explanation

Docstrings should be placed inside the function, as the first statement. This allows the docstring to describe the function's purpose and usage, making it accessible through help functions and improving code readability.

What will be the output of this code?

• nothing

• This function prints a greeting message.

• "Hello, world!"

• an error

Answer explanation

The code prints the docstring of the function 'greet', which is "This function prints a greeting message." Therefore, the correct answer is: This function prints a greeting message.