Who benefits from comments in programming code?

Comments in programming code primarily benefit the reader of the code. They serve as annotations that help explain the purpose, functionality, and logic behind specific sections of the code. This is especially important in collaborative environments or for future maintenance, where other programmers (or even the original author) may need to understand the reasoning behind certain implementations or the intent of the code.

The reader can quickly grasp complex logic without needing to decipher the actual code. Comments can provide context, outline assumptions, or clarify the use of particular algorithms or structures, which enhances the readability and maintainability of the code. Well-commented code not only aids individuals who are reviewing or debugging but also contributes to a smoother onboarding process for new team members.

In contrast, comments are ignored by the compiler, machine, and operating system during execution, meaning they do not influence the operation or performance of the program itself. Therefore, the benefit of comments is overwhelmingly significant for human readers rather than any computational entities involved.