In programming, what is indicated by an asterisk following a multiline comment?

The presence of an asterisk following a multiline comment typically indicates the conclusion of that comment block in many programming languages. In languages like C, C++, and Java, multiline comments start with a forward slash and an asterisk (/) and conclude with an asterisk and a forward slash (/). The asterisk that appears at the end serves to clearly mark the end of the comment, which is essential for distinguishing it from the rest of the code and ensuring that the compiler or interpreter correctly ignores the commented portion.

This structure helps in maintaining clarity within the code, allowing programmers to include detailed explanations or annotations without affecting the program's execution. Properly closing comment blocks is important to avoid compilation errors or unintended behavior in the code, which can occur if a comment is not properly terminated.