Why is it important to write good code?
Tags: webdev, beginners, programming, coding
Published: 2023-08-08 05:14:19

As developers, we spend our waking hours crafting code. We write code that solves problems, creates features, and brings our ideas to life. _But what is good code?_ And _why is it important to write good code?_

Good code is code that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. It is code that is well-organized and easy to maintain. And it is code that is elegant and beautiful. Good code is also more likely to be bug-free, easier to maintain, and more reusable. 
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of writing good code. We will discuss the key elements of good code, and we will provide tips for writing better code. So, if you are a developer who wants to write better code, read on!

### Empathy in Code

Empathy is an essential skill for any developer who wants to write good code. Like a skilled communicator, good code begins with empathy for others. All developers should understand that coding is not just about solving problems for ourselves; it's about creating solutions that others can understand and maintain. Some simple ways you can do this is, to avoid using "clever" code that is difficult to understand and provide helpful comments, (you will also benefit from this).

When you write code, you need to put yourself in the shoes of the next developer who will maintain your code. You need to think about how they will understand your code and how they will be able to maintain it.

This means using clear and concise language, writing well-organized code, and providing helpful comments. It also means avoiding "clever" code that is difficult to understand.

> Clean code always looks like it was written by someone who cares.
> ~ Robert C. Martin

### Orchestrating Best Practices
Good code is like a symphony. It is composed of many different parts that work together seamlessly. Just as a conductor must coordinate the different instruments in a symphony, a developer must coordinate the different parts of their code.

There are many best practices that can help developers write good code. These practices include and are not limited to: 

- **Using proper naming conventions.** This means using clear and concise names for variables, functions, and classes. Good naming conventions can make code much easier to understand and maintain.
- **Modularizing your code.** This means breaking your code down into smaller, self-contained modules. Modular code is easier to understand and maintain, and it can also be reused in other projects.
- **Providing comprehensive comments.** Comments can help to explain what your code is doing. They can also be helpful for debugging and understanding code that you wrote in the past.
- **Using linters and other tools.** There are many tools available that can help you to write better code. These tools can help you to find errors, enforce coding standards, and improve the readability of your code.
- **Testing your code thoroughly.** Embrace testing frameworks for your particular tech stack, this will help to ensure that your code is working as expected.
-** Getting feedback from others.** Ask other developers, preferably senior, to review your code and give you feedback. This can help you to identify areas where your code can be improved.
- **Keeping your code up-to-date.** Programming languages sometimes update their syntax or add more features, similarly, frameworks and packages you use in your projects may become obsolete when developers stop updating them. So always be on the lookout and update your code accordingly.

> Any code of your own that you haven’t looked at for six or more months might as well have been written by someone else.
>  ~ Eagleson’s Law

### Balancing Complexity and Simplicity
Much like achieving equilibrium in artistic expression, balancing complexity and simplicity is an art in itself. Developers should embrace elegance in their code, finding the right equilibrium between elaborate solutions and straightforward implementations. Learn to write code that expresses the problem's essence without unnecessary embellishments.

### Ensuring Resilience
Every great symphony undergoes rigorous rehearsals before it is performed in front of an audience. The musicians practice their parts over and over again, making sure that they are in sync and that they can play their parts flawlessly.

The same is true for code. Good code is not written in a single sitting. It is written, tested, and refactored over and over again. This process of iterative development ensures that the code is well-tested and that it can perform flawlessly even under the most demanding scenarios.

One of the best ways to ensure that your code is well-tested is to practice Test-Driven Development (TDD). TDD is a software development process that involves writing tests before writing the code. This ensures that the code is written to pass the tests, and it also helps to ensure that the code is well-structured and easy to maintain.

TDD can be a bit challenging to learn at first, but it is a valuable skill for any developer. By practicing TDD, you can write code that is more reliable, more maintainable, and more enjoyable to work with.

So, next time you are writing code, remember the importance of rigorous rehearsals.


[You can see my newsletter here]         (https://blog.mikenjuki.com/#/portal/signup/free)



### Collaboration
Coding is often a collaborative effort. When multiple developers work together on a project, they can share ideas, learn from each other, and produce better code.
One of the most important aspects of collaboration is code reviews. Code reviews are a process where one developer reviews the code of another developer. This helps to catch bugs, improve code quality, and ensure that the code is consistent with the project's standards.


![Embrace Collaboration](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/c64pbndqro3cni4bfezh.jpg)

**Here are some tips for collaborating on code:**

- Be respectful of other developers' time and opinions.
- Be clear and concise in your communication.
- Be willing to compromise.
- Be open to feedback.

By following these tips, you can collaborate effectively with other developers and produce better code.

For example, when you are reviewing someone else's code, be respectful of their time and opinions. If you have any feedback, be sure to be clear and concise in your communication. And if you are the one whose code is being reviewed, be willing to compromise and be open to feedback.

### Leaving an Enduring Legacy
A masterpiece's legacy lingers in the hearts of those who experience it, just as good code leaves a lasting impact. Developers should embrace the understanding that their code will shape future projects and inspire others. Every line of code becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of a digital masterpiece, an enduring gift to the world of development.

_Writing_ good code is an art that transcends mere technicality. Developers are artists, composing codebases that resonate with empathy, elegance, and ingenuity. _Let us remember that coding is not just a series of characters and algorithms;_ it's an expression of our creativity and empathy towards others. So, let us embark on this journey with passion and dedication, embracing the art of crafting unforgettable code that stands the test of time. As we create our symphonies of code, we ensure that the legacy we leave will inspire generations of developers to come.