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Reaching for better and more efficient processes is part of our daily work at First Line Software. Read how our Software Developer and Tech Titan Ambassador Flavio Naves Junior approaches writing code that is not only functional but also clean and maintainable.
As a Software Developer at First Line Software, I've seen firsthand the difference that applying Clean Code principles can make, especially in a powerful environment like InterSystems IRIS. In this article, I want to share some insights on the importance of meaningful names and how they can significantly improve the readability and maintenance of your code.
Applying Clean Code principles, such as using meaningful names, transforms your code from a jumbled mess into a clear and efficient system. This not only makes your code easier to read but also simplifies maintenance and reduces the likelihood of errors. Encountering legacy code or development projects that don't adhere to these practices can be challenging, but implementing these principles can make a substantial difference.
Let's consider a basic example that calculates the Body Mass Index (BMI) within a class. While the code functions correctly, its readability is far from ideal.
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This code snippet is concise but difficult to understand at a glance. The variable names `A`, `B`, and `C` are generic and do not convey the purpose of the values they hold, making the code cryptic and harder to maintain.
Using generic names in your code can lead to several issues:
Now, let’s refactor the previous example using meaningful names to illustrate the power of clear naming conventions.
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By using descriptive names like `heightInMeters` and `weightInKilograms`, the purpose of each variable becomes immediately clear. The method name `CalculateBMI` also explicitly states its function, enhancing the overall readability of the code.
Incorporating meaningful names in your code offers several advantages:
Meaningful names make the code self-explanatory, ensuring it is both user-friendly and maintainable.
Adopting meaningful names is a cornerstone of the Clean Code philosophy and can dramatically transform your codebase. At First Line Software, we advocate for these best practices to enhance the quality of our development projects. Clean code principles not only improve our own work but also demonstrate our commitment to excellence to our clients and prospective team members.
If you're passionate about clean, maintainable code and want to learn more, follow me on LinkedIn for more tips on Clean Code and development in InterSystems IRIS. Together, we can make coding a more enjoyable and efficient process.
For further reading, I highly recommend Clean Code by Robert C. Martin, a comprehensive guide on writing cleaner, more maintainable code. Looking forward to connecting with you!
Looking forward to connecting with you!
Flavio Naves Junior has been a Software Developer with First Line Software for nearly two years. With more than seven years of experience working with InterSystems, Flavio’s expertise helps our team stay ahead of the curve. As an FLS Ambassador Tech Titan, he provides technical advice and precision to the wider tech community.
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