6 Tips for Beginners to Write Clean and Maintainable Code
Tags: beginners, code
Published: 2024-05-23 19:46:21

No matter the programming language you use, writing clean code has always been a challenge for beginners. The goal here is not just to write code that's readable but also descriptive enough so others can understand it with ease.

Just because your code works doesn't mean there's no room for improvement. Knowing how to write clean code is a skill that you learn over time. It's something you can't master overnight, as it demands practice and persistence.

Learning how to write clean code is something that sets you apart from other programmers and enables you to showcase your skills with ease. Not only does it help you optimize the code's functionality, but it also makes it presentable to others.

Here are a few useful tips for beginners on how to write clean and maintainable code:

## 1. Name Variables and Functions
If you want to [write clean and easy-to-maintain code](https://www.wpbeginner.com/beginners-guide/how-to-code-a-website-complete-beginners-guide/), naming variables and functions may be a viable approach.

Whether you're [creating a website](https://www.isitwp.com/how-to-make-a-website-step-by-step/) or [developing an app](https://formidableforms.com/building-a-web-app-with-wordpress/), defining the names for the variables and functions makes your code descriptive and easy-to-understand.

By embracing this [coding hack](https://memberpress.com/blog/coding-hacks-for-non-developers/), you not only improve your code's readability but also come up with a maintainable codebase.

Just ensure that the names you have selected to define your variables and functions are well thought out. So, other developers can easily understand the context. This helps them know the action a variable or function performs and how it resonates with the rest of the code.

## 2. Leverage Empty Lines
You can use empty lines to improve the cleanliness of your code. Not only does it make your code readable, but it is also easy to understand. Adding an empty line can help you or other readers know where the functions end.

Plus, it makes your code appear aesthetically-pleasing. And it reduces the time spent on code optimization, as it's easy for you to find areas that need improvement.

## 3. Have a Goal in Mind
Having a goal in mind not only maximizes your efficiency when coding, but it also improves the effectiveness of your code.

You should always keep in mind the problem that your code is supposed to solve or the purpose you're writing the code for.

It can be difficult but try not to let your thoughts go wild when you're in the zone. Focus on what your code is supposed to do and write for that only.

This will not only make it easier for you to write code that actually works, but also one that's clean and easily maintainable.

## 4. Stay Simple
The simplicity of the code is a very subjective thing. So, describing how to write code with a simplistic approach may be a challenge.

However, keeping a few things in mind may help. When writing code, you should be able to understand what the program does at each line.

As mentioned earlier, naming functions and variables helps. However, you should ensure that the names selected highlight the responsibilities.

You should also be careful with the code indentation and spacing, maintaining an identical format throughout the codebase.

You should also add explainers to help others understand your code with ease and document things. Not only will it help others understand the complexities of your code, but it will also make it easier for you to make changes to it when needed.

You should write code in such a way that it's easy for you to identify the features of the program. This makes the addition or deletion of features hassle-free without you needing to modify the majority of your code.

Following a modular approach is also a handy trick to ensure your code's simplicity, where components classify different features.

## 5. Minimize the Code's Complexity
Technically, you can write a function that does multiple things. And it's a common practice among programmers to come up with functions that cater to different things.

It's not the wrong thing to do. It is just something that you should avoid if you want to write clean and easy-to-maintain code.

Trying to come up with a function that caters to different things may work for you, but it will increase the complexity of the code.

This will make it difficult for you to optimize the code. Plus, it may end up compromising the code's readability.

If your function represents many lines, it may be viable to prefer a class over a function, as it may also contribute to the code's efficiency.

## 6. Use Consistent Formatting and Syntax
Another effective way of writing clean code is to use consistent formatting and syntax throughout your code.

This makes your code easy-to-read and understandable, not just for you but also for others reviewing it. It helps developers understand the functionality of your code and the purpose it was written for.

Consistent formatting and syntax also help you [debug the code](https://wpforms.com/developers/how-to-enable-debugging-in-wordpress/) for errors and ensure easy maintenance. You can also update the code with ease without making huge modifications or breaking something in the process.

Consistent formatting and syntax not only improve your code's cleanliness but also help you [fix errors in your code](https://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-easily-enable-wordpress-debug-mode-to-fix-site-errors/) quickly.

## Final Words
There you have it: the six tips for beginners to write clean and maintainable code. If you've just stepped into the realm of programming, the recommendations in this article will help you write code that's easy to understand, optimize, and update.