What are comments in a programming language used for?

Comments in a programming language serve the purpose of documenting or explaining the code. This helps programmers understand the code more easily, both for themselves and others who may read it later. Comments are not executed as part of the program, which means they do not affect the program's functionality; rather, they serve as annotations that clarify the intent behind the code, describe how a particular algorithm works, or provide context about the logic being applied.

Using comments effectively can enhance code readability and maintainability, making it easier to debug and update in the future. It's a best practice in programming to include comments, especially in complex sections of code, to guide anyone reviewing the code through its structure and purpose.