Python does have a multiline string/comment syntax in the sense that unless used as docstrings, multiline strings generate no bytecode -- just like #
-prepended comments. In effect, it acts exactly like a comment.
On the other hand, if you say this behavior must be documented in the official documentation to be a true comment syntax, then yes, you would be right to say it is not guaranteed as part of the language specification.
In any case, your text editor should also be able to easily comment-out a selected region (by placing a #
in front of each line individually). If not, switch to a text editor that does.
Programming in Python without certain text editing features can be a painful experience. Finding the right editor (and knowing how to use it) can make a big difference in how the Python programming experience is perceived.
Not only should the text editor be able to comment-out selected regions, it should also be able to shift blocks of code to the left and right easily, and it should automatically place the cursor at the current indentation level when you press Enter. Code folding can also be useful.
To protect against link decay, here is the content of Guido van Rossum's tweet:
@BSUCSClub Python tip: You can use multi-line strings as multi-line comments. Unless used as docstrings, they generate no code! :-)