what does /** mean in c++

Question

I was trying to add a block comment in c++, but I made a type-o and wrote /** instead of /*. I noticed that the comment inside got in bold. Does anyone know what it means?

Answer 1

This form of comment is used by Doxygen - This software enables one to generate documentation for the source code. Please see the web site.

I guess your IDE understands this.

Answer 2

In Java this comment style /** indicates that the comment is a javadoc, maybe your editor is trying to make a similar distinction. I know that at least the Eclipse IDE will exhibit this behavior.