Readability Counts: Naming, Comments, and Formatting

Readable code is easy to understand, quick to fix, and less likely to hide bugs. Good naming, helpful comments, and consistent formatting make your software friendlier for everyone—including your future self.

Even advanced features are easier to manage when you focus on readability. Clear code saves hours of confusion and makes collaboration much smoother.

Real-Life Analogy: A Well-Organised Textbook

Think about a schoolbook with tidy chapters, clear section headings, and highlighted notes. You can find answers fast, review topics easily, and share the book with others. Code should feel the same way.

• Good names act like clear chapter titles.
• Comments and formatting are like highlights and notes.

Best Practices for Readable Code

Choose names that describe purpose, not just type. Write comments to explain why, not what. Format code to group related ideas and keep things tidy.

• Use consistent spacing and indentation.
• Break up long functions into smaller ones.

Common Mistakes

Avoid cryptic names, missing comments, or messy layouts. Messy code slows everyone down and causes mistakes.

• Don't use single-letter names for important variables.
• Avoid comments that only repeat what the code says.

Final Thoughts

Readable code is a gift to yourself and your team. Invest in names, comments, and neat formatting, and you’ll save hours in the future.