What is the purpose of comments in Python?

The primary purpose of comments in Python is to make the code more readable and provide documentation for anyone who may be reading or maintaining the code in the future. Comments allow a programmer to explain what certain parts of the code do, the reasoning behind specific choices, or to note important information. This is particularly useful in collaborative environments or when returning to code after some time, as it aids in understanding the logic without having to decipher the code itself.

By using comments effectively, developers enhance communication regarding the purpose and functionality of different sections of their code, making it more accessible for others and themselves at a later stage. Comments do not affect the execution of the program, nor do they define variables or improve performance; their sole function is to serve as annotations within the code.