When it comes to writing clean and maintainable code, one of the main goals is to make the code as self-explanatory as possible. However, there are instances where adding comments becomes necessary in order to provide additional information or context to the readers of the code. It is important to differentiate between necessary comments and code that is already self-explanatory. This differentiation can greatly enhance the readability and maintainability of the codebase.
The first principle to follow is to strive for self-explanatory code. Well-designed code should express its intention clearly through well-written variable and function names, and a clear structure. When code is self-explanatory, it becomes easier for others to read, understand, and modify it without the need for additional comments.
Consider the following example:
noob to masterdef calculate_discount(original_price, discount_rate):
final_price = original_price * (1 - discount_rate)
return final_priceIn this simple function, the purpose of the code is clear just by reading the function name and the variable names. It calculates the final price after applying a discount rate to the original price. Adding comments here would only add noise and clutter to the codebase, as it is already self-explanatory.
While self-explanatory code should be the first goal, there are scenarios where comments are indeed necessary. The reasons for adding comments can vary, but their primary purpose should be to provide information or context that cannot be easily deduced from the code itself. Here are a few situations where comments may be considered necessary:
When dealing with complex algorithms or intricate business logic, comments can help in explaining the underlying logic and reasoning behind the code. This is particularly useful when the complexity of the task cannot be reduced, and the code alone may not provide enough understanding. In such cases, comments act as a guide for other developers who may need to understand or modify the code in the future.
Sometimes, due to limitations, bugs, or external dependencies, developers may have to implement workarounds or non-obvious solutions to tackle specific problems. In such cases, adding comments to explain the workaround or solution, along with references to relevant sources or specifications, can be crucial for future maintainers. These comments help ensure that the reason behind the unconventional approach is not lost, and that future developers can make informed decisions.
There might be situations where the code depends on certain assumptions or constraints that are not immediately obvious. This could be due to specific requirements of the system. In such cases, comments can highlight these assumptions, explaining why they exist and ensuring that any modifications or updates take them into account. This improves the overall robustness of the codebase and helps prevent unintended consequences.
While comments have their place in the codebase, it is important to strike a balance between code and comments. Too many comments can clutter the codebase, making it harder to read and understand. As a best practice, always strive to write code that is self-explanatory first, resorting to comments only when necessary. Regular code reviews and feedback from the team can help identify situations where comments may be redundant or where self-explanatory changes could be made.
In conclusion, differentiating between necessary comments and self-explanatory code is crucial for writing clean, maintainable, and readable code. By striving for self-explanatory code and using comments sparingly and thoughtfully when necessary, we can enhance the clarity and long-term maintainability of our codebase. Remember, code that can speak for itself is the mark of a well-designed and well-communicated software system.
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