Writing a self-documenting code can be mistaken as a daunting and exhausting task. On the contrary, writing a self-documenting code is one of the best practices in information technology, making your work way more accessible. A self-documenting code ironically does not require comments in the multiples. It means that by going through the code, a developer should manage to understand the code in its entirety. However, a self-documenting code does not mean that you should do away entirely with the comments. Therefore, a self-documenting code primarily better serves the programmer’s logic and facilitates the job of future developers. Let’s take a look at some methods for writing self-documenting code.
There are three widely accepted methodologies of writing a self-documenting code. These include organized naming, structural clarity, and syntax correlation. These methodologies enable programmers to categorize the entire process and ensure the code is self-documenting.
Organized Naming
As the name suggests, organized naming is the naming of files, directories, functions, variables, classes, and errors organized appropriately and easy to follow. Further, the naming should be in sync with established naming conventions. While naming functions, for example, make sure you use verbs. Organized naming enables the reader to know what the expected action is once the function is called. While working with functions, make sure the return value is as clear as well.
Naming variables is probably the most straightforward task in programming. It is, therefore, relative that you make this perfect by choosing descriptive variables. This is done by simply avoiding short forms and using units, enabling the reader to maintain the code by anticipating rational outputs. It further allows the reader to upgrade the code following the descriptive nature of the existing variables.
A rational programmer should expect errors during the execution of the code. It is therefore essential to name those properly for easy debugging. The error, where possible, should include what caused the error, a description of the error, and a possible solution to the problem.
Syntax
To improve on the structure of the code, we must ensure all functions are properly extrapolated. It means that more code is replaced in functions. Conditional statements especially should be replaced with functions. Code replacement should be complemented with proper function naming, depicting what it does. Since functions can be reused, the developer has an easier time coding while ensuring the entire code block is self-documenting.
You can as well replace expressions with variables. When using a mathematical expression, you should maximize the use of variables, simplifying your code and decreasing the number of function calls that could hamper the application runtime. While working with variables, you must consider grouping them correctly, declaring them as close as possible to where they will be used, improving self-documentation.
Structural Clarity
As far as syntax is concerned, use the same basic principle of simplifying the entire code. Make sure you don’t use tricks while writing syntax, commonly referred to as the use of magic values. You can ensure that by using constants as opposed to numbers or string values. Further, minimize the use of Boolean flags. Often this is resolved by the use of a function.
Conclusion
The above methodologies encourage the use of functions as a best practice for self-documenting code. However, you should avoid re-writing the entire core into tiny functions as it complicates the code and impacts run time. The use of comments is still recommended and must complement the self-documenting code in scenarios where the resulting code is not straightforward or where the logic complexity requires. In general, a self-documenting code is simple enough to be readable and runs efficiently.
