Statement vs. Comment — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
A statement in programming declares or performs an action, while a comment provides explanatory text that is ignored by compilers and interpreters.
Difference Between Statement and Comment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In programming, a statement is an instruction that the interpreter or compiler executes to perform operations like assignments, loops, or condition checks. Whereas, a comment is a non-executable part of the code, used to annotate and explain the logic or purpose of the code to human readers.
Statements are crucial for the functionality of a program, directing the flow of execution and manipulating data. On the other hand, comments have no impact on the execution of the program; they are merely descriptive aids that improve code readability and maintainability.
Different programming languages have specific syntax for writing statements, which must be strictly followed to avoid errors. Comments, however, can be more flexible, often marked by symbols like //, /* */, or #, depending on the language, and they do not require a specific syntax.
While statements are parsed and executed by the program’s runtime environment, comments are completely ignored by compilers and interpreters. This means that comments can be placed almost anywhere in the code without affecting the program’s behavior or performance.
Effective use of statements is necessary for creating functional and efficient software, whereas effective use of comments is crucial for making the code understandable and easier to navigate, especially in complex or collaborative projects.
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Comparison Chart
Functionality
Executes an operation in the program.
Provides explanations, ignored by compiler.
Impact on Code
Directly affects how a program runs.
Has no effect on the program’s execution.
Syntax
Must adhere to strict language rules.
Uses specific markers like // or #.
Role in Execution
Parsed and executed by the interpreter.
Skipped during code compilation.
Purpose
Manipulate and control program flow.
Enhance code readability and maintenance.
Compare with Definitions
Statement
An executable instruction in a program.
Print(Hello, world!) in Python is a statement.
Comment
Ignored by compilers and interpreters.
# No operational impact.
Statement
A command that affects the state or behavior of a program.
X = 5 changes the value of x.
Comment
A non-executable line that explains the code.
# This is a comment in Python.
Statement
Can include control structures like if, for, while.
If x > 0:
Comment
Used to annotate the purpose of code sections.
// Initializes the variable x.
Statement
Typically ends with a semicolon in many languages.
Int x = 0; in C++.
Comment
Helps in documentation of complex logic.
/* Multi-line comment used for detailed explanations. */
Statement
Part of the syntax in a programming language to perform actions.
For i in range(10): begins a loop.
Comment
Can be used to temporarily disable code.
// int x = 0; now disabled.
Statement
Something stated; a declaration
The witness made many false statements.
Comment
A verbal or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction
The plans were sent to the council for comment
You asked for comments on the new proposals
Statement
A formal oral or written declaration, especially with regard to facts or claims
In a statement, the firm denied any wrongdoing.
Comment
Express an opinion or reaction in speech or writing
Teachers commented that children of all abilities would benefit
‘She's an independent soul,’ he commented
The company would not comment on the venture
Statement
An abstract of a commercial or financial account showing an amount due; a bill.
Comment
A written note intended as an explanation, illustration, or criticism of a passage in a book or other writing; an annotation.
Statement
The act of stating or declaring
The attorney's statement took an hour.
Comment
A series of annotations or explanations.
Statement
A monthly report sent to a debtor or bank depositor.
Comment
A statement of fact or opinion, especially a remark that expresses a personal reaction or attitude.
Statement
(Computers) An elementary instruction in a programming language.
Comment
An implied conclusion or judgment
A novel that is a comment on contemporary lawlessness.
Statement
An overall impression or mood intended to be communicated, especially by means other than words
Glass, exposed beams, and antiques created a strong decorative statement.
Comment
Talk; gossip
A divorce that caused much comment.
Statement
Having a striking appearance, often because of large size, unusual design, or extensive ornamentation
A statement necklace.
Statement furniture.
Comment
(Computers) A string of text in a program that does not function in the program itself but is used by the programmer to explain instructions.
Statement
A declaration or remark.
Make a statement
Publish a statement
Utter a statement
Comment
(Linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information about the topic. Also called rheme.
Statement
A presentation of opinion or position.
Comment
To make a comment; remark.
Statement
(finance) A document that summarizes financial activity.
A bank statement
Comment
To serve as a judgmental commentary
"Her demise comments on [the Upper East Side's] entire way of life" (Mark Muro).
Statement
(computing) An instruction in a computer program, especially one that returns no value, as opposed to a function call.
Comment
To make comments on; annotate.
Statement
(transitive) To provide an official document of a proposition, especially in the UK a Statement of Special Educational Needs.
Comment
A spoken or written remark.
I have no comment on that.
Pay attention to the teacher's comments in the margin of your marked essay.
Statement
The act of stating, reciting, or presenting, orally or on paper; as, to interrupt a speaker in the statement of his case.
Comment
(uncountable) The act of commenting.
Statement
That which is stated; a formal embodiment in language of facts or opinions; a narrative; a recital.
Comment
(linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information regarding the current theme.
Statement
A message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc;
According to his statement he was in London on that day
Comment
(programming) A remark embedded in source code in such a way that it will be ignored by the compiler or interpreter, typically to help people to understand the code.
Statement
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
Comment
(transitive) To remark.
Statement
(music) the presentation of a musical theme;
The initial statement of the sonata
Comment
To make remarks or notes.
Statement
A nonverbal message;
A Cadillac makes a statement about who you are
His tantrums are a statement of his need for attention
Comment
To comment or remark on.
Statement
The act of affirming or asserting or stating something
Comment
To insert comments into (source code).
I wish I'd commented this complicated algorithm back when I remembered how it worked.
Statement
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Comment
To comment out (code); to disable by converting into a comment.
Statement
A document showing credits and debits
Comment
To make remarks, observations, or criticism; especially, to write notes on the works of an author, with a view to illustrate his meaning, or to explain particular passages; to write annotations; - often followed by on or upon.
A physician to comment on your malady.
Critics . . . proceed to comment on him.
I must translate and comment.
Comment
To comment on.
Comment
A remark, observation, or criticism; gossip; discourse; talk.
Their lavish comment when her name was named.
Comment
A note or observation intended to explain, illustrate, or criticise the meaning of a writing, book, etc.; explanation; annotation; exposition.
All the volumes of philosophy,With all their comments.
Comment
A statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief;
From time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account
Comment
A written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material;
He wrote an extended comment on the proposal
Comment
A report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people;
The divorce caused much gossip
Comment
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
Comment
Explain or interpret something
Comment
Provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases;
He annotated on what his teacher had written
Common Curiosities
How does a comment differ from a statement?
Comments are not executed and are used solely for adding descriptions or annotations within the code.
What is a statement in programming?
A statement is an instruction that a programming language interpreter executes.
Can a program function without any comments?
Yes, comments are not necessary for program functionality but are recommended for better code understanding.
Are comments visible in the final program output?
No, comments are ignored during compilation and are not visible in any program output.
Is there a standard way to write statements?
Each programming language has its own syntax rules that must be followed when writing statements.
Do all programming languages support comments?
Yes, all programming languages provide some method of commenting, though the syntax may vary.
Why are statements important in programming?
Statements are essential as they define the behavior and logic of the program.
How do comments benefit programming?
They improve readability and maintainability, making it easier for others to understand the logic behind the code.
What happens if a statement syntax is incorrect?
The program will throw a syntax error and will not execute correctly.
Can comments be converted into statements?
Comments cannot be converted into statements as they are fundamentally non-executable.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
