How to write code – part 1

How to write code ? Writing Code for Future Comprehension.

How to write code In the „fast-paced” world of software development is a very tricky question… The ability to „write code so in one year you or anyone else will be able to easily understand what it is about” can be a crucial skill. This practice not only enhances the longevity of your projects but also significantly improves team collaboration and code maintenance. Gives a lot less headaches also. Let’s explore why this approach is essential and how you can implement it in your coding practices.

As always.. take a grain of salt with a dose of common sense…

The Importance of Writing Comprehensible Code

When you write code so in one year you will be able to easily understand what it is about, you’re investing in the future of your project and Your mental health at the same time. This approach is not just about personal convenience; it’s a fundamental aspect of professional software development. Here’s why it matters:

1. Maintainability: Code that is easy to understand is easier to maintain. When you or your team members need to make updates or fix bugs in the future, clear and comprehensible code saves time and reduces errors. Don`t over-engineer.
2. Scalability: As projects grow, the ability to quickly grasp the purpose and functionality of existing code becomes crucial. Writing code with future understanding in mind facilitates smoother scaling of your applications. I think we might be afraid of writing more comprehensible code because it feels bloated…
3. Knowledge Transfer: In team environments, developers often need to work on code written by others. When you write code so in one year you will be able to easily understand what it is about, you’re also making it easier for your colleagues to comprehend and work with your code. The though process behind is easier to follow because we provide more detailed information.

Strategies to Write Future-Proof Code

This is some of the clean codes / common sense / best rules You can consider implementing and remember next time You refactor Your merge request:

1. Use Descriptive Naming: Choose variable, function, and class names that clearly describe their purpose. Avoid abbreviations and cryptic names that might be unclear in the future. Write so a 6 year old will understand.
2. Write Clear Comments: While good code should be self-explanatory, strategic comments can provide valuable context. Focus on explaining the 'why’ rather than the 'what’ in your comments. Remember about Donal Knuth literrate programming paradigm.
3. Follow Consistent Formatting: Adopt a consistent coding style throughout your project. This includes indentation, bracket placement, and naming conventions. Linter is a must.
4. Break Down Complex Functions: If a function is doing too much, break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This makes the code easier to understand and maintain. Remember about separation of concerns but when it makes sense don`t split 6 lines into 3 x 2line methods that is just messing up the whole view… i prefer the locality of behaviour.
5. Write Documentation: Create and maintain documentation that explains the overall architecture and key components of your project. I like the top comments over a class or interface.

The Long-Term Benefits

When you consistently write code so in one year you will be able to easily understand what it is about, you reap numerous benefits:

• Reduced Technical Debt: Clear, understandable code is less likely to accumulate technical debt, saving time and resources in the long run.
• Improved Collaboration: Team members can more easily understand and contribute to each other’s work.
• Faster Onboarding: New team members can get up to speed more quickly when working with well-written, comprehensible code.
• Enhanced Problem-Solving: When issues arise, developers can more quickly identify and resolve problems in clear, well-structured code.

Conclusion

The ability to write code so in one year you will be able to easily understand what it is about is a hallmark of a skilled and considerate developer. By prioritizing clarity, consistency, and documentation in your coding practices, you not only make your future work easier but also contribute to a more efficient and collaborative development environment. Remember, the code you write today is a message to your future self and your team – make sure it’s a clear and helpful one.