http://simonmellor.net Most recent posts at simonmellor.net posterous.com Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:00:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Simonmellornet/~3/BZ2pSBYoMPk/properties-of-good-code http://simonmellor.net/properties-of-good-code <p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Elegant</span></p> <p>By definition - pleasingly ingenious and simple. If good code was a tool it would not be a Swiss Army Knife, rather a tin opener.</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Efficient</span></p> <p>It is not wasteful. It is optimised to make effective use of resources available. Firstly for performance and secondly as to not tempt a poor refactoring.</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Maintainable</span></p> <p>Readable and obvious, documented and with tests. Another developer must be able to pick up the code and immediately understand its purpose.</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Exposed</span></p> <p>It must be difficult for bugs to hide, paths through should be clear.</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Errors handled</span></p> <p>Expected errors should be captured and dealt with. There should be no loose ends or black holes.</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Focused</span></p> <p>There is no slack code, just enough to get the job done.&nbsp;Its' intent is clear. Complexity is abstracted. There is little or no duplication.</p> <p><span style="font-size: large;">Cared for</span></p> <p>The author cared and it shows. Every possibility has been taken into account.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://simonmellor.net/properties-of-good-code">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://simonmellor.net/properties-of-good-code#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Simonmellornet/~4/BZ2pSBYoMPk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1279889/247308_10150618802025290_573070289_19123108_1510703_n__1_.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hesWicS5lHkbU Simon Mellor sfusion Simon Mellor http://simonmellor.net/properties-of-good-code