Code Quote by Robert Cecil Martin
“The proper use of comments is to compensate for our failure to express ourself in code.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Clean Code by Robert C. Martin, 2008
Comments should fill gaps where code is unclear, not replace clear expression.
In simple terms: Use comments to clarify, not compensate for bad code.
Key Takeaway
Write self‑explanatory code.
Themes
software engineering
code quality
communication
documentation
Mood
practical
instructional
Type
educational
technical
When to use this quote
- code review
- pair programming
- training sessions
Key Concepts
technical debt
readability
maintainability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you make code clearer without comments?
- When are comments truly necessary?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on comments can hide poor design.
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