8 Must-Know Points To Improve Code Readability
INTRODUCTION
Code readability is a fundamental aspect of software development that plays a crucial role in the success of any project. Well-written, easily understandable code not only improves the efficiency of development but also has a profound impact on code maintenance and collaboration among team members.
When code is readable, it becomes easier to identify and fix bugs, add new features, and understand the overall functionality of the system. In this blog tutorial, we will explore eight must-know techniques to enhance code readability, empowering you to write code that is not only functional but also accessible and comprehensible to yourself and your fellow developers.
MODULAR ORGANIZATION
Splitting code into modules, classes, and functions enhances comprehension and organization. An example Python code snippet that demonstrates modular organization by splitting code into modules and functions:
In this example, the code is split into two files: utils.py and main.py. This separation allows us to organize the code logically and improve its structure. Here's a breakdown of the code:
utils.py is a module that contains two functions: square() and cube(). These functions calculate the square and cube of a number, respectively.
In main.py, we import the square() and cube() functions from the utils module using the from ... import ... syntax.
The calculate() function in main.py demonstrates the usage of the imported functions. It calculates the square and cube of a given number (num = 5) and prints the results.
By separating the code into modules (utils.py) and using functions, we achieve the following benefits:
Logical Organization
The functions related to mathematical calculations are grouped in the utils.py module, providing a clear and logical organization of code.
Improved Structure
Splitting the code into modules and functions improves the overall structure of the program, making it easier to navigate and understand.
Easier Navigation
With modular organization, it’s simpler to locate specific functions or pieces of code when needed, enhancing code navigation.
ELIMINATE REPETITION
Refactor repetitive tasks into reusable functions to enhance maintainability and readability. An example Python code snippet that demonstrates how to eliminate repetition by refactoring repetitive tasks into reusable functions:
In this example, we have two functions: calculate_area() and calculate_perimeter(). These functions perform calculations related to a rectangle's area and perimeter, respectively. By refactoring the repetitive calculations into reusable functions, we achieve the following benefits:
Eliminating Duplication
The calculations for the area and perimeter are separated into their respective functions, avoiding the need to repeat the calculations throughout the code. This eliminates redundancy and reduces the chance of errors.
Promoting Code Reuse
By encapsulating the calculations within functions, we can reuse these functions whenever we need to calculate the area or perimeter of a rectangle in different parts of the code or even in other projects. This promotes code reusability and saves development time.
Single Source of Truth
Refactoring repetitive tasks into reusable functions ensures that there is a single source of truth for the calculations. If any changes or updates are required in the future, we only need to modify the function code, rather than searching for and updating multiple occurrences of the calculation throughout the codebase. This improves code maintainability and reduces the risk of inconsistencies.
DESCRIPTIVE NAMING
Use meaningful and consistent names for variables, functions, and classes to promote understanding. An example Python code snippet that demonstrates the importance of descriptive naming:
In this example, we have two functions: calculate_rectangle_area() and calculate_triangle_area(). These functions calculate the area of a rectangle and a triangle, respectively. By using meaningful and consistent names for variables, functions, and classes, we achieve the following benefits:
Accurate Representation
The function names (calculate_rectangle_area() and calculate_triangle_area()) accurately describe the purpose of each function. This makes it easier for other developers to understand the intention and functionality of the code.
Improved Code Comprehension
Descriptive naming enhances code comprehension. When variables, functions, and classes have meaningful names, it becomes easier to read and understand the code, even for someone who is not familiar with it.
Consistent Naming Conventions
By following consistent naming conventions, such as using lowercase with underscores for variables and lowercase with camel case for functions, you create a standard pattern that improves code readability and maintainability. Consistency in naming conventions makes it easier to identify and understand different elements of the code.
CONSISTENT FORMATTING
Apply consistent indentation, spacing, and formatting throughout the codebase for visual coherence.
By applying consistent indentation, spacing, and formatting throughout the codebase, we achieve the following benefits:
Readability and Code Aesthetics
Consistent formatting improves the readability of the code by making it easier to visually parse and understand. Proper indentation and spacing create a clear structure, making it easier to identify blocks of code, such as functions or loops. Additionally, consistent formatting enhances code aesthetics, making the code more visually appealing.
Facilitates Code Collaboration
When multiple developers are working on the same codebase, consistent formatting becomes crucial. It ensures that the code follows a unified style, making it easier for team members to understand and work with each other’s code. Consistent formatting also reduces conflicts and inconsistencies during code reviews and merges.
Maintenance
Consistent formatting makes code maintenance more efficient. When code follows a consistent style, it becomes easier to locate and update specific sections of code. It also improves the readability of error messages or debugging information, helping developers quickly identify and resolve issues.
LINE-LENGTH LIMIT
Stick to recommended line lengths (e.g., PEP-8 suggests 79 characters for a line) to prevent excessive wrapping and improve readability. We can use the backslash \ to split code into multiple lines or use parentheses to accommodate lines that exceed the recommended 79-character limit.
Example 1: Using backslash to split the code into multiple lines:
# The following code calculates the sum of four numbers, and the parameters
# will be considered as written in a single line by the interpreter. As we
# have used the backslash `\` here.
result = first_number + \
second_number + \
third_number + \
fourth_number
# Finally, the result is printed.
print(result)Backslash: The lines that concatenate strings are split using a backslash at the end of the line. This tells Python that the line continues onto the next line and should be treated as a single logical line.
Example 2: Using parentheses to split the code into multiple lines:
# Similarly we can use the paranthesis to tell interpreter that the parameters
# are written in a single line after the sign `=`. As we all are written
# inside a bracket.
result = (first_number +
second_number +
third_number +
fourth_number
)
# Finally, the result is printed.
print(result)Parentheses: The lines that exceed the recommended limit are enclosed within parentheses. This allows Python to interpret the code as a single expression that spans multiple lines.
Example 3: The square bracket does the same thing below. In this case, the elements of the list are organized in a bracketed format, where they are placed in two lines.
# A list spanning multiple lines
a_long_list = ['A', 'quick', 'brown', 'fox',
'jumps', 'over', 'a', 'lazy', 'dog']By using backslashes and brackets appropriately, you can ensure that your code remains within the recommended line length and follows the guidelines set forth by PEP 8. This promotes code readability and maintainability.
By adhering to a line length limit, such as the recommended range of 80–120 characters, we achieve the following benefits:
Avoids Horizontal Scrolling
By limiting the line length, we prevent the need for horizontal scrolling in code editors or terminals. This ensures that the code is easily readable without the need to scroll left or right, making it more accessible and convenient.
Improves Code Readability
Breaking long lines into shorter ones improves code readability. It allows developers to see the entire line of code without the need to mentally track and connect fragments that span multiple lines. It promotes better comprehension and understanding of the code.
REMOVE UNUSED COMMENTED CODE
Remove unused or old code instead of leaving it commented out, reducing confusion and improving maintenance. By removing commented-out code instead of leaving it in the codebase, we gain the following benefits:
Eliminates Clutter and Confusion
Commented-out code clutters the codebase and can cause confusion for other developers who may wonder if the code is still relevant or necessary. By removing it, we create a cleaner codebase that only contains the active and necessary code. This reduces the cognitive load and makes it easier to understand the code.
Promotes a Clean and Concise Codebase
Removing commented-out code promotes a cleaner and more concise codebase. It ensures that only the relevant and functional code is present, making it easier to maintain and debug. A clean codebase improves code readability, reduces the risk of introducing bugs, and simplifies the process of adding new features or making changes to the code.
ADD MEANINGFUL COMMENTS
Use well-placed comments to explain intent, purpose, and complex logic, aiding other developers’ understanding. Here’s how comments aid in understanding and maintaining the code:
Clarifies Code Functionality and Intent
Comments help clarify the functionality of the code by providing high-level explanations of what the code is doing. In the example, comments such as “Calculate the area of a rectangle” and “Calculate the perimeter of a rectangle” provide clear context and intent for the subsequent code.
Documents Important Details
Comments can be used to document important details that may not be immediately obvious from the code alone. In the example, the comments provide additional information about the purpose of the functions and the expected inputs and outputs.
Assists with Code Maintenance
Comments play a crucial role in code maintenance by providing insights into the code’s logic and design choices. They help other developers, including future maintainers, understand the codebase, making it easier to debug, modify, and extend.
By using well-placed comments, the code becomes more self-explanatory and easier to understand. Comments act as a form of documentation, providing valuable context and aiding in code maintenance. They clarify the functionality and intent of the code, document important details, and assist developers in working with the codebase effectively.
FOLLOW THE CODING STYLE GUIDE
Adhere to a coding style guide, such as PEP 8, for consistency, making the code more readable and accessible. Python code snippet that demonstrates adhering to a coding style guide, such as PEP 8, for improved code readability and maintainability:
In the code snippet above, we adhere to the PEP 8 coding style guide, which promotes consistency and readability in Python code. Here’s how following a coding style guide improves code readability and maintainability:
Consistent Coding Style
Adhering to a coding style guide ensures that code is formatted consistently throughout the codebase. In the example, we follow conventions such as using CamelCase for class names, lowercase with underscores for variable and function names, and indentation using 4 spaces. A consistent coding style improves readability by making the code visually coherent and predictable.
Improved Code Readability and Maintainability
When all developers follow the same coding style guide, it becomes easier for them to understand and navigate each other’s code. Consistent naming conventions and indentation enhance code comprehension. It also simplifies code maintenance, as developers can quickly identify and modify sections of code based on established conventions.
Seamless Collaboration Among Developers
By adhering to a coding style guide, code bases become more accessible and familiar to all developers. When everyone follows the same set of style guidelines, it promotes seamless collaboration and reduces the friction caused by differing coding styles. Developers can work on the codebase more efficiently and effectively, leading to better overall teamwork.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, improving code readability through the techniques discussed in this tutorial can have a profound impact on your development process and collaboration with other developers. By following practices such as modular organization, eliminating repetition, using descriptive naming conventions, maintaining consistent formatting, adhering to line length limits, removing commented code, adding meaningful comments, and following coding style guides, you can enhance the organization, maintainability, and overall quality of your codebase.
This, in turn, leads to improved development efficiency, easier maintenance, and seamless collaboration among team members. Investing time and effort in code readability is a valuable practice that pays off in the long run, making your codebase more accessible, understandable, and conducive to successful software development.
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