How to code properly?

To code properly, you need to follow a combination of best practices, proper organization, and efficient use of tools. Here's a guide to help you improve your coding skills and ensure that your code is clean, maintainable, and efficient:

1. Write Readable Code

Readable code is essential for collaboration and maintainability. Keep these tips in mind:

• Use meaningful names: Variables, methods, and classes should have clear and descriptive names that indicate their purpose.

  // Bad
  int x;
  
  // Good
  int userAge;

• Follow consistent naming conventions: For example, use camelCase for variables and methods in Java (calculateTotal), and PascalCase for class names (UserDetails).

Source: GeeksforGeeks: Code Readability Tips

2. Comment and Document Your Code

Comments should be used to explain why a certain approach was taken, rather than what the code is doing (which should already be clear if the code is well-written). Add documentation for complex sections of the code, especially public-facing APIs.

// Calculates total price including tax
public double calculateTotalPrice(double price, double taxRate) {
    return price + (price * taxRate);
}

3. Adopt DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself)

Avoid duplicating code by creating reusable methods or functions. Repetition leads to code that's harder to maintain and debug.

// Bad: Repeating code
double total1 = price + (price * taxRate);
double total2 = price2 + (price2 * taxRate);

// Good: Using a reusable function
double calculateTotalPrice(double price, double taxRate) {
    return price + (price * taxRate);
}

Source: Medium: DRY Principle

4. Test Your Code

Write unit tests to ensure your code works as expected. Testing not only helps detect bugs early but also makes it easier to maintain code when new features are added.

• Use testing frameworks such as JUnit in Java or PyTest in Python to automate testing.

Source: JUnit Testing Guide

5. Use Version Control

Always track your code with version control systems like Git. This allows you to maintain different versions of your code, collaborate with others, and easily revert to previous versions when necessary.

Source: Git Documentation

6. Refactor Regularly

As you code, periodically refactor it to improve structure and clarity without changing functionality. Refactoring helps eliminate bad design choices and keeps the code base clean.

Source: Refactoring Guru

7. Follow Coding Standards

Most programming languages have recommended coding standards. Following these standards ensures uniformity, especially when working with teams.

• In Java, for instance, the official Java Code Conventions suggest how to write consistent and clear Java code.

Source: Java Code Conventions

8. Handle Errors Gracefully

Handle exceptions properly rather than letting your program crash. Use try-catch blocks in Java or try-except in Python to manage potential errors and display meaningful error messages.

try {
    int result = divide(a, b);
} catch (ArithmeticException e) {
    System.out.println("Error: Division by zero");
}

Conclusion

To code properly, focus on writing clear, maintainable code that follows best practices like using meaningful variable names, avoiding repetition, testing thoroughly, using version control, and refactoring regularly. By adopting these habits, your code will be more professional, easier to understand, and easier to maintain.