The Founder's Guide to Code Commenting AI: Tools, Prompts & Practical Tips
Developer Tools

The Founder's Guide to Code Commenting AI: Tools, Prompts & Practical Tips

code-commentingaichatgptfoundersdocumentation

TL;DR

  • Code Commenting AI helps automate code documentation—saving founders and devs hours per week.
  • Most tools are easy to integrate with editors like VSCode or GitHub.
  • ChatGPT can generate clear, context-aware comments with the right prompts (see examples below).
  • We compare the top code commenting AI tools so you can pick what fits your workflow.
  • Includes copyable prompts and actionable tips for founders.

Why Code Commenting AI Matters—Especially for Founders

If you’ve ever inherited a codebase (or built your own at 2am), you know the pain of trying to understand unlabeled logic. Quality comments are a lifeline—but they rarely get written in the rush to ship.

Founders, especially technical ones, juggle product, fundraising, and firefighting. Commenting code drops to the bottom of the list. But those missing comments turn tiny bugs into days lost onboarding new team members or fixing regressions.

That’s where code commenting AI steps in. In 2024, you no longer have to choose between clear documentation and moving fast. AI can analyze your code, generate human-like explanations, and even update comments as you refactor—freeing you up for higher-leverage work.

Let’s break down how it works, the best tools, and how you can start using ChatGPT today—even if you’re not a “documentation person.”

How Code Commenting AI Works (In Plain English)

At its core, code commenting AI uses large language models (like GPT-4) trained on millions of code samples and documentation. These models can:

  • Read your code and “understand” its structure (functions, variables, classes, etc.)
  • Write natural-language comments explaining what each part does, how it fits together, and sometimes even highlight edge cases.
  • Suggest improvements or flag confusing logic.

Some tools run as browser extensions, some as VSCode plugins, and others integrate directly into your workflow (like PR reviews on GitHub).

Copy These Prompts: Get Better Code Comments with ChatGPT

You don’t need a fancy tool to get started. Here are proven prompts you can paste into ChatGPT (or your LLM of choice) to instantly generate better code comments:

1. Comment a Function Clearly

Here's a Python function. Please add clear, concise comments above each logical step so a junior developer could understand it:

```python
def process_orders(order_list):
    totals = []
    for order in order_list:
        if order['status'] == 'completed':
            totals.append(order['amount'])
    return sum(totals)

### 2. Docstring Generator

Write a detailed docstring for this JavaScript function, explaining its parameters, return value, and possible side effects:

function filterActiveUsers(users) {
  return users.filter(u => u.isActive);
}

### 3. Explain in Plain English

Explain what this code does in plain English. Highlight any potential edge cases or bugs:

func reverse(s string) string {
    runes := []rune(s)
    for i, j := 0, len(runes)-1; i < j; i, j = i+1, j-1 {
        runes[i], runes[j] = runes[j], runes[i]
    }
    return string(runes)
}

### 4. Auto-Comment a Whole File

Read the following code file. Add comments above each function and complex block, using language that’s beginner-friendly:

[Paste your code here]


**Pro Tip:**  
If your code is sensitive, use a local LLM or a trusted tool (see below) rather than a public API.

---

## 2024's Top Code Commenting AI Tools (Compared)

| Tool             | Integration        | Languages Supported | Pricing         | Unique Feature                |
|------------------|-------------------|--------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------|
| **Workik**       | Web, GitHub, VSCode | 10+ (Python, JS, etc.) | Free + Paid      | Bulk comment generation       |
| **Readable.so**  | Web, VSCode       | Python, JS         | Free + Paid      | Comment quality customization |
| **NinjaTech**    | Web, GitHub       | 20+                | Free (limited)   | AI code review + commenting   |
| **ChatGPT**      | Web/API           | Any                | Free + Paid      | Flexible, prompt-driven       |
| **Kite (legacy)**| VSCode, JetBrains | Python             | Free (discontinued) | Context-aware suggestions   |

**What to Look For:**  
- **Editor integration**: Direct VSCode or GitHub support saves time.
- **Language support**: Make sure your stack is covered.
- **Customizability**: Can you tweak the style and depth of comments?
- **Privacy**: Don't upload sensitive code to tools you don't trust.

---

## Real-World Use Cases for Founders

- **Speed up onboarding**: New hires can ramp up faster with auto-generated, plain-English code comments.
- **Reduce tech debt**: AI keeps your documentation fresh as you refactor.
- **Audit legacy code**: Quickly surface what parts of your codebase need rewriting—or just understanding.
- **Impress investors**: Well-documented code signals maturity and lowers perceived risk.

---

## Bonus: Advanced Prompts for Founders

- **Refactor & Comment:**  
  "Refactor this function for clarity and add inline comments explaining each step."

- **Security Review:**  
  "Review this code for security vulnerabilities and add comments where improvements are needed."

- **Cross-Language Translation with Comments:**  
  "Translate this Python function to TypeScript and include comments explaining the logic."

---

## Ready to Supercharge Your Codebase?

If you're a founder (or just busy), don't let documentation hold you back. Try the prompts above with ChatGPT or experiment with one of the tools listed. You'll ship faster, onboard smoother, and sleep better knowing future-you (or your next dev hire) can actually understand your code.

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