Also Read: Top 10 Websites to Improve Programming and Coding Skills
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For this modification made easier, you need to write your current programs which might be simple adequate code, well formatted scripts, effortlessly understandable snippets and commented source files. Here is a list of most important principles which might be applied to boost readability of the source scripts.
Tips to Boost Readability of Source Code
The Usage of Functions
First tip to improve readability is write code with standard functions and data structures provided in default libraries. It is usually and safely suggested to work with existing libraries than writing your very own. Here could be the list of attributes of this.
1. Normally default features are superior written and have better error handling.
2. Best algorithms utilized during development of the language which are usually quicker.
3. Every person will don’t forget the prototypes, thus making simpler to read.
Language Features
Always try to use the best language features. A good programmer never use the feature as a feature is out there unless required. This will become an aid to the readability a lot. Here are generally few couple of things you will want to avoid and use out of all language features.
1. Choose the right data type (use an integer if you never need a decimal for instance.)
2. Using of CONST for values that never change aids to readability.
3. To optimize the memory, if a value must be unsigned then use an unsigned number.
4. To decrease the complexity, avoid the use of the wrong forms of loops. Make use of loops provided that required as well as enhance never-ending loop variables.
5. Avoid applying GOTO statements.
6. Avoid using Magic Numbers.
7. Use macros to define Magic numbers.
A magic number is a numeric constant that is used in the code without specifying an obvious reason.
a=b+75; for(int i=0;i<60;++i)
We have two magic numbers in the above code snippet 75 and 60.
You may know what they mean while writing your source or what effect they have on the results. But later or any time someone reads your code, it’s certain that they will not be able to understand why you have used them.
One way to solve this problem is using of Macros that lets you define named constants that gives a named description to these magic numbers.
KISS Principle (keep it simple, stupid)
Sophisticated expressions are most common during programming. They aid to build the execution and evaluation speed of compilers. In any case, you obviously should take proper care that during using of complex expression giving right indention helps you to better read the expression by other programmers.
Comment effectively. Stay clear of comments for obvious motives. Comments must advise exactly how it determines with some other part of the value, any assumptions and what the code intends to do. It can be regularly assumed that a majority of programming systems do the job best whenever they are stored simple rather than made complicated. So, make ones expressions so easy to possibly simple to implement.
1. Use multiple levels of parentheses.
2. Use interim variables to avoid one-line calculations.
3. You can utilize a particular name for the temporary variables that will in turn increase the readability.
4. Use whitespace to separate disparate areas of code.
Though there are lots of ways to construct a readable and optimized source code, these are a merely few which are often used knowing that I desired to share.
Also Read: 8 Best Rules for Good Programming Style
Am I out of competition if I cannot build a readable code?
Answer is No. The magic principle of computer programming is that you will be rewarded for everything when it’s really worth. There are no specific rules usually no rules in the field of programming. Whatsoever you do just remember that you must meet the extreme it may be either good or bad.
It’s a very good practice to build a readable code. But if you don’t like it, you will not need to worry. You may be also rewarded for making an unreadable code. But, as I said remember you must reach the extreme. Take a look at the below Hello World program that I made.
#include<stdio.h> #define H printf ( #define A "%c" #define I ,ch[i]) #define _ ; int main(){int i ,ch[11]={104,101,108,108,111,32,119,111,114,108,100}_ for(i=0 _ i<11 _ i++) H A I _ return 0 _}
First look might not give you what the program does. And you can search for each instruction in greater detail to reveal that it actually prints the word “hello world”.
What this way of writing code/programs is called?
Writing a program that is obscure, unclear, or unintelligible is called as obfuscated code. There is a community specialized in programmers who can build great obfuscated programs. Here is the URL of the community
It’s the International Obfuscated C Code Contest where the best obfuscated code is rewarded every year. You can take a look at the codes if you would like to and download the entire archive from here.
http://www.ioccc.org/all/all.tar.bz2
Conclusion
In programming there are no such things that you mustn’t do. Whatever you decide and do, complete with passion and accomplish the best. Forget the rules not morals.
Happy Coding!! 🙂 🙂