How can you write readable and reusable smart contract code?

1 Choose a suitable language

The first step to write readable and reusable smart contract code is to choose a suitable programming language. Different languages have different features, syntax, and tools that can affect the performance and functionality of your smart contracts. For example, Solidity is the most popular language for Ethereum smart contracts, but it has some limitations, such as the lack of native support for decimals or strings. On the other hand, Rust is a fast and flexible language that can be used for Solana smart contracts, but it has a steep learning curve and requires more attention to memory management. You should choose a language that matches your needs, preferences, and goals.

2 Use clear and consistent naming

The next step to write readable and reusable smart contract code is to use clear and consistent naming for your variables, functions, and parameters. Naming is important because it helps you and others understand the purpose and logic of your code. You should use descriptive and meaningful names that follow the conventions and standards of your chosen language. For example, in Solidity, you should use camelCase for variables and functions, uppercase for constants, and underscore for private variables. You should also avoid using ambiguous or misleading names that can cause confusion or errors.

3 Comment and document your code

The third step to write readable and reusable smart contract code is to comment and document your code. Comments are lines of text that explain what your code does, why it does it, and how it does it. They are ignored by the compiler and do not affect the execution of your code. Documentation is a separate file or website that provides a comprehensive overview of your smart contract, its features, its parameters, and its usage. Both comments and documentation are essential for making your code easy to understand, maintain, and reuse. You should comment your code as you write it, using the appropriate syntax and style for your language. You should also document your code using a tool or framework that can generate documentation from your comments, such as Doxygen or Sphinx.

4 Modularize and abstract your code

The fourth step to write readable and reusable smart contract code is to modularize and abstract your code. Modularization means dividing your code into smaller and independent units, such as functions, libraries, or contracts, that perform specific tasks. Abstraction means hiding the details and complexity of your code behind simpler and more general interfaces, such as variables, parameters, or modifiers. Both modularization and abstraction help you reduce code duplication, improve code quality, enhance code reusability, and facilitate code testing. You should modularize and abstract your code as much as possible, using the features and patterns of your language. For example, in Solidity, you can use inheritance, interfaces, or abstract contracts to create modular and abstract smart contracts.

5 Test and debug your code

The fifth step to write readable and reusable smart contract code is to test and debug your code. Testing means verifying that your code works as expected, meets the requirements, and does not have any errors or vulnerabilities. Debugging means finding and fixing any issues or bugs that arise during testing. Both testing and debugging are crucial for ensuring the reliability, security, and functionality of your smart contracts. You should test and debug your code thoroughly, using the tools and frameworks that are available for your language and platform. For example, in Solidity, you can use Truffle, Ganache, or Remix to test and debug your smart contracts.

6 Optimize and audit your code

The sixth and final step to write readable and reusable smart contract code is to optimize and audit your code. Optimization means improving the efficiency and performance of your code, by reducing its size, complexity, and gas consumption. Gas is the fee that you pay for executing your smart contracts on the blockchain. Audit means reviewing and verifying the quality and security of your code, by checking its compliance with the standards, best practices, and regulations. Both optimization and audit are important for ensuring the scalability, compatibility, and trustworthiness of your smart contracts. You should optimize and audit your code carefully, using the techniques and services that are suitable for your language and platform. For example, in Solidity, you can use tools like Solhint, Slither, or MythX to optimize and audit your smart contracts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?