The Beginner’s Guide to be a Better Programmer
Every programmer hates bad code because it is hard to interpret, complex, and not easy to test, but it also brings frustration.
On the contrary, clean code is the best practice endorsed by both novice and seasoned developers.
Now the question arises
What is clean code?
The code easily comprehended by everyone on time is clean code. While writing clean code, developers focus not to enhance its understandability but also focus on its readability, changeability, and maintainability. In short, it is simple and direct.
Clean code shows the developers’ intention of care and pride in their craftsmanship. It is their key to keep their clients and manager happy.
Clean Code Principles
There are no language-specific rules for writing clean code. It follows language-agonistic principles. Here are some of the general design principles to help you better understand why clean code matters.
KISS (Keep it Simple, Stupid)
Ever heard of keep it simple and stupid? It is the first and foremost principle of writing clean code. Originated from the US, the KISS advises keeping all the systems as simple as possible. No complexity, only simplicity.
DRY
Do not repeat yourself. Quite close to KISS, DRY states that there should be single, clear, and authoritative representation within systems.
DRY violations are called WET, which means we enjoy typing, writing things twice, and wasting time.
YAGNI
You ain’t gonna need it. As a developer, it is your responsibility that you should not add functionality unless it is unavoidable. As part of Extreme programming, YAGNI is recommended to use in conjunction with refactoring, unit testing, and integration.
Composition over inheritance
Following this principle, developers design their types over what they do than over what they are. Inheritance makes code inflexible and unchangeable later on. That’s why the developer community largely agreed upon composition over the inheritance principle.
Favor Readability
When working on a group project, prioritize readability over conciseness.
Practice Consistency
It is a must to follow principle of all clean code principles. Once you decide to follow something, ensure to stick to that throughout your project unless there is no option other than moving away.
Bottom
Programming is an art, and you are an artist. Imagine yourself in a situation. There is a developer spot vacant in your company. Thirty applicants applied for the job.
Their code functions are efficient. Twenty wrote bad codes, and ten wrote super clean code.
Which group would you choose?
Why would you want to choose the one who wrote clean code?
Share your take on clean code in the comments section below. Would love to hear from you. I am determined not to write any more bad codes.