The Basic Principles of Clean Code
Published: 2024-03-12 13:51:09

Writing code is an art, and like all art, it must be done with care and a sense of craftsmanship. In this article, we'll explore the basic principles of clean code, which can help you write code that is easier to read, maintain, and debug.
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###1. Use Descriptive Names
When naming variables, functions, classes, and other entities, use names that clearly express what they represent. Avoid using abbreviations or single-letter names that don't provide any context.
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###2. Write Functions that Do One Thing
Each function you write should only do one thing. If a function is doing multiple things, it's a sign that it should be broken down into smaller functions. Each function should be small, ideally less than 20 lines of code.
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###3. Keep Function Arguments to a Minimum
The more arguments a function has, the harder it is to understand and use. Aim for no more than two or three arguments per function. If you find that a function requires more arguments, consider if it might be better to group related arguments into an object.
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###4. Avoid Side Effects
Functions should avoid altering any states or producing any effects that aren't related to their main purpose. These "side effects" can lead to bugs that are hard to track down and understand.
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###5. Write Code Once
Don't repeat yourself (DRY). If you find yourself writing the same code in multiple places, consider how you can refactor to avoid repetition. Code duplication makes your codebase larger than necessary and can lead to bugs if the duplicate code gets out of sync.
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###6. Comment Wisely
Use comments to explain the 'why' rather than the 'what'. Comments should be used to explain the purpose of the code, any limitations, and how it's used. Avoid unnecessary comments that don't add any value.
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###7. Code Formatting
Consistent code formatting is important for readability. This includes indentation, spacing, and the use of braces. Many teams use a linter or a code formatter like Prettier to enforce a consistent coding style.
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###8. Error Handling
Error handling is not an afterthought; it should be planned from the start. Functions that might fail should throw exceptions, and these exceptions should be caught and handled appropriately.
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###9. Keep Your Code Simple
Avoid over-engineering. Write the simplest code that can solve the problem at hand. Resist the temptation to use complex patterns or fancy language features when they're not necessary.
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###10. Test Your Code
Testing is not optional. Every piece of code you write should be tested, ideally with automated tests. Tests give you confidence that your code works as expected and allows you to make changes without fear of breaking things.
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## Conclusion
Clean code is all about readability and maintainability. It's about writing code that is easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to change. These principles provide a solid foundation for writing clean code, but remember that every principle has exceptions. The key is to use your judgement and aim for code that is clean and efficient, without becoming a victim of dogmatism.