How do you block comments in Python VSCode?

In VSCode, you can efficiently block comments in your Python code using a dedicated keyboard shortcut or the Command Palette, or by leveraging Python's multi-line string literal feature. The quickest way to toggle a block comment on selected lines in Windows is by pressing Shift + Alt + A.

Block comments are essential for temporarily disabling code, providing detailed explanations for complex sections, or documenting entire functions or classes. Mastering these methods will significantly improve your coding efficiency and code readability in VSCode.

1. Using the Keyboard Shortcut (Recommended)

VSCode provides a universal shortcut to toggle block comments for various languages, including Python. This is often the most efficient method for commenting out multiple lines of code.

• Steps:
  1. Select the lines: Highlight the block of Python code you wish to comment or uncomment.
  2. Apply the shortcut:
     • Windows: Press Shift + Alt + A
     • macOS: Press Shift + Option + A
     • Linux: Press Shift + Alt + A
  3. VSCode will automatically insert or remove """ (triple double-quotes) around the selected block, effectively turning it into a Python block comment (a multi-line string literal used for commenting). If the selection contains existing multi-line comments, the shortcut will attempt to uncomment them.

This shortcut leverages the editor.action.blockComment command within VSCode, designed for quick toggling of comment blocks.

2. Utilizing the VSCode Command Palette

If you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts or forget them, the Command Palette offers a straightforward way to access the block comment functionality.

• Steps:
  1. Select the lines: Highlight the Python code you want to comment or uncomment.
  2. Open Command Palette: Press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS).
  3. Search for command: Type "Toggle Block Comment" into the search bar.
  4. Execute command: Select "Toggle Block Comment" from the list.

VSCode will then apply or remove the block comment syntax for the selected lines.

3. Manual Python-Specific Block Comments

Python doesn't have a dedicated "multi-line comment" syntax like /* ... */ in C++ or Java. Instead, multi-line string literals (docstrings) are commonly used as block comments when they are not assigned to a variable or part of a function/class definition.

• Syntax:

  """
  This is a block comment
  that spans multiple lines.
  It's ignored by the interpreter
  unless it's a docstring.
  """

  Or, using single quotes:

  '''
  Another multi-line comment example
  using triple single quotes.
  '''

• When to use it:

  • For extensive comments that need to explain complex logic or algorithms.
  • As temporary notes during development.
  • To quickly comment out a large block of code without using the VSCode shortcut, especially if you're pasting code from elsewhere.

While manually adding triple quotes works, the VSCode keyboard shortcut (Shift + Alt + A) is often more efficient for toggling existing code blocks.

Summary of Block Comment Methods in VSCode for Python

Method	Description	How to Use
Keyboard Shortcut	Fastest way to toggle block comments.	Select lines, then press Shift + Alt + A (Windows/Linux) or Shift + Option + A (macOS).
Command Palette	Access block comment function via command search.	Select lines, press Ctrl + Shift + P (or Cmd + Shift + P), type "Toggle Block Comment", and select.
Manual (Triple Quotes)	Python's native way to define multi-line strings.	Manually type """ or ''' at the beginning and end of the block you wish to comment.

Best Practices for Commenting in Python

• Clarity over Quantity: Aim for comments that explain why the code does something, rather than just what it does (which should be clear from the code itself).
• Keep it Updated: Outdated comments can be more harmful than no comments. Ensure your comments reflect the current state of your code.
• Docstrings for Documentation: For functions, classes, and modules, use docstrings (which are multi-line strings placed as the first statement) for formal documentation. VSCode, along with extensions like Pylance, provides excellent support for viewing and generating docstrings.
• Line Comments for Specific Lines: For single-line explanations or quick notes, use the # symbol. VSCode also has a shortcut for this: Ctrl + / (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + / (macOS).
• Consider Purpose: Block comments are best for explaining a whole section, while line comments are for specific lines.

By leveraging these methods and following best practices, you can maintain clean, understandable, and well-documented Python code within VSCode.