Code logic and assumptions are the building blocks of any program. They define how the code works, what it does, and why it does it. But how do you explain them to others, especially if they are not familiar with your code or the problem you are solving? Here are some tips to help you communicate your code logic and assumptions effectively.
One of the simplest and most helpful ways to explain your code logic and assumptions is to use comments and documentation. Comments are short notes that you write in your code to explain what each line or block of code does, how it relates to the overall logic, and what assumptions you are making. Documentation is a more detailed and structured description of your code, its purpose, features, inputs, outputs, and limitations. Both comments and documentation can help others understand your code logic and assumptions without having to read the entire code or run it.
- Comments should explain the "why" not just restate the "what". Don't just repeat what the code is doing, explain the reasoning. - Documentation and comments complement each other. Documentation provides the bird's eye view while comments focus on specifics. - Don't go overboard with comments. Code should aim to be self-explanatory through good naming, structure, and organization. Comments clarify what's not obvious from reading the code.
Another way to explain your code logic and assumptions is to use pseudocode and diagrams. Pseudocode is a simplified version of your code that uses plain language and common conventions to describe the logic and flow of your program. Diagrams are visual representations of your code that show the main components, data structures, functions, loops, conditions, and interactions. Both pseudocode and diagrams can help others grasp your code logic and assumptions at a glance, without getting lost in the details or syntax of your code.
- Using both pseudocode and diagrams together gives a nice high-level explanation of the code from both a textual and visual perspective. Pseudocode provides the play-by-play logic while diagrams show the big picture. - When done well, pseudocode reads almost like plain English, and diagrams use common conventions that are widely understood. This makes them far more accessible than code snippets alone.
A third way to explain your code logic and assumptions is to use examples and tests. Examples are specific cases that demonstrate how your code works, what it does, and what it expects. Tests are checks that verify that your code behaves as expected, meets the requirements, and handles errors. Both examples and tests can help others see your code logic and assumptions in action, and validate them against the expected outcomes and scenarios.
- Provide concrete input/output examples that demonstrate the normal expected behavior of your functions or methods. This shows how you expect the code to be used in a typical happy path scenario. - Use before/after examples to demonstrate how your code transforms inputs into outputs. Show what changes after your code runs. - Use screenshots, animations, diagrams, etc. to illustrate examples when code alone is not enough. Visuals can capture complex workflows. - Write simple tests that validate your code behavior - unit tests for individual functions, and integration tests for components working together. Tests make assumptions concrete.
A fourth way to explain your code logic and assumptions is to use analogies and metaphors. Analogies and metaphors are comparisons that relate your code to something familiar or intuitive, such as a real-world process, a mathematical concept, or a story. They can help others understand your code logic and assumptions by making them more relatable, memorable, and meaningful.
A fifth way to explain your code logic and assumptions is to use questions and feedback. Questions are inquiries that you ask others to check their understanding, clarify their doubts, or challenge your assumptions. Feedback is the response that you receive from others, either positive or negative, that helps you improve your code, logic, or assumptions. Both questions and feedback can help you communicate your code logic and assumptions more clearly, effectively, and collaboratively.
A sixth way to explain your code logic and assumptions is to use empathy and humility. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in the shoes of others, and understand their perspective, needs, and goals. Humility is the willingness to admit your limitations, mistakes, and biases, and learn from them. Both empathy and humility can help you explain your code logic and assumptions with respect, honesty, and openness, and avoid arrogance, defensiveness, or condescension.
Write clean code. And keep the logic simple. That's the best way to explain code logic. Use good coding conventions that's well known in the language you're writing in. You might find the need to document on code blocks that could've been self explanatory. Additionally, naming your variables and functions properly goes a long way. Here's what to keep in mind: - keep it simple - make it modular - follow the language conventions - revisit and refactor