In programming, what is a 'comment' used for?

A comment in programming serves as a note within the code to explain its purpose or functionality. This means that while a programmer is writing code, they can include comments to provide context, clarify complex sections, or remind themselves or others what specific parts of the code are intended to achieve. Importantly, comments are not executed by the program, allowing them to serve as a valuable communication tool without affecting the code's performance.

Using comments effectively can significantly enhance code readability and maintainability, making it easier for anyone who reviews the code later to understand its intended structure and logic. This is particularly beneficial in collaborative environments where multiple people may work on the same codebase, as it helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the functionality of different sections of the code.