Why is it important to write comments in code?

Writing comments in code is essential primarily to enhance code readability and maintainability. Comments serve as notes for the programmer and any others who might read or work on the code in the future. They provide context, clarify complex logic, and explain the purpose of specific sections of code, making it easier for someone else (or the original author at a later time) to understand what the code is doing without having to decipher every line.

This practice significantly aids in maintaining the code, especially in collaborative environments where multiple developers may interact with the same codebase. Comments can convey why a certain solution was implemented, explain assumptions made by the developer, or outline the intended functionality, which is crucial when returning to the code after a period of time or when onboarding new team members.

While regulatory standards, performance, and correctness are important aspects of coding, they do not directly pertain to the role of comments. Comments do not influence the execution speed of the code nor guarantee that it functions correctly; rather, they enhance the overall coding process by making it accessible and understandable.