Technical

Generate code comments

AI writes clean, helpful inline comments for your selected code.

Free AI Tool2 min read
Paste your code... const result = data.filter(item => item.active) .map(item => ({ id: item.id, name: item.name })) .sort((a, b) => a.name.localeCompare(b.name));
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Generate code comments

River's Code Comment Generator adds clear, helpful comments to your code. You paste code, and the AI adds inline comments explaining what the code does, why it works that way, and any important considerations. Perfect for making code more maintainable and helping team members understand complex logic.

Unlike obvious comments, we explain the why, not just the what. The AI understands when comments add value, explains intent and reasoning, and avoids redundant statements. You get comments that make code clearer without cluttering it.

This tool is perfect for developers documenting complex code, teams improving code readability, code reviewers requesting better documentation, and maintainers making legacy code understandable.

What Makes Code Comments Effective

Good comments explain why code exists, not what it does. Code shows what. Comments explain intent, constraints, and reasoning. Avoid obvious comments like (increment counter). Write helpful comments like (skip deleted items to prevent permission errors). Best comments help future developers (including you) understand decisions and constraints.

What You Get

Clean inline comments

Explains intent and reasoning

Notes important considerations

Avoids obvious statements

Maintains code readability

How It Works

  1. 1
    Paste codeSelect code section needing comments
  2. 2
    AI adds commentsGenerates helpful inline comments in under 1 minute
  3. 3
    Review and adjustRefine comments as needed
  4. 4
    Commit improved codeCode is now more maintainable

Frequently Asked Questions

Should every line of code have a comment?

No. Over-commenting is as bad as under-commenting. Comment complex logic, non-obvious decisions, workarounds, and important constraints. Don't comment obvious code. If code needs comments to be understood, consider refactoring for clarity first.

What makes a good code comment?

Good comments explain why, not what. They document intent, constraints, and reasoning. They warn about gotchas. They reference tickets or requirements. Bad comments repeat what code clearly shows. Good comments add context code can't convey.

Should comments be updated when code changes?

Yes, always. Outdated comments are worse than no comments. They mislead developers and cause bugs. When changing code, update related comments. If comment becomes obviously wrong, delete it. Trust code over conflicting comments.

What is River?

River is an AI-powered document editor that helps you write better, faster. With intelligent writing assistance, real-time collaboration, and powerful AI tools, River transforms how professionals create content.

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