In programming, what are comments and how are they typically treated by the compiler or interpreter?

Introduction / Context:
Comments are a basic but essential feature of almost every programming language. They allow developers to annotate their code with explanations, reminders, and documentation that help humans understand the logic. At the same time, comments are not meant to be executed by the machine. This question checks whether you know both the purpose of comments and how they are treated during compilation or interpretation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are working with typical languages such as C, C plus plus, Java, Python, and others.
• Comments are marked with special syntax such as double slash or hash symbols.
• The compiler or interpreter recognizes comment syntax and skips the content.
• Comments can describe logic, assumptions, or usage notes for human readers.

Concept / Approach:
Comments serve as documentation within the source code. They are written for people, not for direct execution by the computer. When a compiler or interpreter processes the source file, it identifies comment regions and discards them, meaning they do not generate machine instructions and do not affect runtime behavior. Because comments both explain program logic and are non executable, the best answer should combine these two aspects into one statement.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1 Recall that comments are lines or blocks of text preceded by comment symbols appropriate to the language. Step 2 Remember that comments are used to explain what the code does, why certain decisions were made, or how to use a function. Step 3 Understand that compilers and interpreters ignore comments when generating executable code. Step 4 Select the option that states that comments explain logic and are non executable, which is expressed by the combined answer Both A and B.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this behavior by adding descriptive comments to a program and observing that the compiled binary size and output do not change unless the comments alter white space or encoding in trivial ways. Language references also describe comments as ignored by the compiler or interpreter. Tools like code formatters can move or reformat comments, but they never treat them as executable statements, which confirms their non executable nature.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The statement that comments are executable statements that always run before main is incorrect because comments do not generate runtime instructions. The idea that comments are used only for storing binary data is also wrong; binary data is usually kept in resource files, not comments. Options A and B individually capture only part of the truth: A focuses on explaining logic, while B focuses on non execution. The combined option C correctly describes both aspects.

Common Pitfalls:
Some developers misuse comments by duplicating what the code already clearly expresses, leading to comments that become outdated when the code changes. Others do not comment at all, making maintenance harder. A good practice is to use comments to explain intent, assumptions, and complex logic while remembering that they are not executed and must be kept in sync with the code.

Final Answer:
Comments are Both A and B: they help explain program logic and are non executable statements that the compiler or interpreter ignores.