What do you do if your code is hard to read and maintain?

Readability is crucial part for any programmer whether they're writing it or understanding it. ??Improve code readability by using clean and proper comments, and ensure consistency with naming conventions for variables, classes, and functions ??For any programmer needing to understand a project, the database is crucial. Therefore, add remarks on every table and its columns ??Ensure code modularity and avoid repetition of boilerplate code logic ??Set the line length wisely to avoid unnecessary newlines (\n) and tabs (\t), adding them only as needed ??Consistently formatting the code using the same IDE and formatter across all programmers is an excellent choice ??Review the code with other programmers or team lead to improve our coding style

It's not just about making code work; it's about making it work well. Refactoring is the process of restructuring existing code without changing its external behavior, encourages growth and health. we enhance the design, structure, and implementation of the software, making it easier to understand and cheaper to modify.

La première choses a faire c'est le KISS, Keep it simple stupid. Pas la peine de faire des choses overkill que personne ne peut relire. Un dev junior doit pouvoir relire et comprendre.

Refactoring helps a lot, --- Once change in a file is done try to write the less lines of code and reach the target, --- Use shorter meaningful, readable variable names, --- Abstract repeated blocks of code in functions ---Each class should have single responsibility --- After, review this file and inspect what future modifications wuold be expected in the system that would how impact the file --- After this repeat in all files the same approach locally then shift globally and try to inspect the modifications that can be needed in the system for future modify like this so, code hard reduces itself automatically although if some remains, it becomes bearable and your code is scaleable now with less hardness value.

Refactoring for Better Code: Martin Fowler’s “Refactoring” emphasizes improving code without altering behavior. It’s about enhancing understandability and reducing complexity. Key steps include identifying ‘code smells’ and making small, test-backed improvements. It’s a continuous process, integral to agile development, ensuring code remains clean and efficient.

Comments should be used judiciously. They are necessary when the code is not self-explanatory, but remember Uncle Bob’s advice that good code mostly documents itself. If you find yourself needing many comments, it might be a sign that the code needs refactoring.

Comments serve as invaluable guides in the labyrinth of code. Like signposts in a dense forest, they illuminate the path for developers, explaining intricate algorithms and subtle decisions. Yet, just as a neglected signpost leads astray, outdated comments can mislead. Hence, maintain them diligently, ensuring they remain synchronized with the evolving codebase. Think of comments as the prologue to a story, setting the stage for what lies ahead. A well-crafted high-level comment at the beginning of a file or major section provides a roadmap, guiding readers through the code's intricate terrain. Comments should complement, not overshadow, the narrative woven by the code.

Use comments to explain particularly complex parts and to clarify the intention behind specific algorithms or functions. This helps other developers comprehend your thought process and prevents misunderstandings. Comments should also be able to provide context to the code, particularly helpful for those who aren't familiar with the project. Also make sure to update relevant comments whenever you make changes to the code and avoid writing comments that repeat what the code says. Use code examples in your comments and keep them free of technical jargon to reduce the cognitive load on viewers.

Les commentaires ne sont pas la pour éxplique le code mais plutot d'ajouter un context métier. Si un commentaire est la pour expliquer c'est un code qui va etre difficile a maintenir

As per my experience, tests provide confidence that the refactored code still behaves as expected. Without tests, devs may be hesitant to refactor code due to fear of introducing bugs. At the same time, tests should prioritize utility over coverage metrics alone. It's crucial to focus on validating critical functionalities and uncovering issues for robust software quality.

Automated tests are vital for code reliability. They safeguard against bugs during refactoring and encourage code improvement. Begin with unit tests for components, then expand to integration tests. Tests maintain quality, document behavior, and aid future maintenance.

Automated testing is a cornerstone of maintainable code. Both Fowler and Uncle Bob advocate for Test-Driven Development (TDD), where tests are written before the code itself, ensuring that the code meets its requirements and behaves as expected.

Automated tests allow quick feedback because of rapid execution. Besides, they are efficient for performing regression testing ,which ensures that new changes do not affect existing functionality, maintaining software integrity as it evolves. Regression testing with automation lets you quickly test the whole or part of the application for every new feature release. Automated tests improve release quality because less time is spent on manual testing. Their consistent and repeatable test scenarios ensure test process reliability over time. In case of complex codebases, automated testing allows parallel tests to be executed, saving time and resources.

Go for printing each line, reading about each function through proper documentation, Run the each line in a separate ide, with dummy values, Add comments as you understand and document it,

Design patterns offer proven solutions to common programming challenges. Learn and apply relevant patterns to your project for clarity and maintainability. They provide a shared language among developers and suggest structured solutions. However, avoid overuse; apply patterns only where they enhance code. Remember, patterns are tools, not rules, to improve readability and maintainability judiciously.

Embracing Coding Standards: Coding standards are vital—they turn individual code into a collective language. They enhance readability, ease maintenance, and foster team collaboration. Adopting these practices leads to code that’s not just functional but also sustainable and part of a greater engineering legacy.

Design patterns are solutions to common problems in software design. They provide a shared language and approach to solving design issues. Fowler’s work on patterns, particularly in enterprise applications, provides valuable insights into their use.

Peer reviews help you gain a fresh perspective on code and identify areas where it could be simplified. They lead to constructive dialogue where reviewers can ask for further clarification of logic and help identify ambiguities in your code, particularly for someone not familiar with the project. It fosters knowledge sharing within the team and encourages them to explore different approaches to a problem, further improving the code quality.

Code reviews bolster code quality. Engage other developers to catch issues and offer enhancements. This fosters knowledge exchange and ensures code comprehension. Discussions on best practices and alternatives elevate code quality, readability, and maintainability.

Peer Review in Programming: An essential process where code is scrutinized by peers before integration. It enhances quality, shares knowledge, and ensures standards. Conduct with preparation, constructive feedback, and a focus on quality. Tools like GitHub streamline the process. Outcome: robust code and cohesive teams.

Code reviews are essential for maintaining code quality. They provide an opportunity for knowledge sharing and catching issues early. Uncle Bob emphasizes the importance of code reviews in ensuring adherence to coding standards and practices.

Peer Review est ESSENTIEL. Aucun dev ne devrait se faire sans ca. elle offres d'autre perspective de lecture et de logique. De plus elle permet de diviser la charge mentale qui imcombe aux développement de features / refacto

The technology landscape is constantly evolving. Staying updated with the latest developments in programming languages, frameworks, and tools is crucial. Both Fowler and Uncle Bob stress the importance of continuous learning and adapting to change.

Stay current with programming advancements. Evolving languages and tools offer features enhancing code simplicity and readability. Refactor code to leverage these updates, replacing outdated constructs with efficient ones. Invest in continuous learning to keep your codebase modern and maintainable.

La veille est essentiel, dans la galaxie du dévellopement, il y a toujours de nouveaux outils / patterns, technos ou mise a jours de technos que nous devons connaitre. De plus ca permet de garder une curiosité et une effervescence.

In a previous project, our team inherited a sprawling and messy codebase that had accumulated technical debt over several years. Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, we embarked on a focused refactoring effort. Breaking down large functions, clarifying naming conventions, and addressing design issues, we transformed the code into a cohesive and maintainable system. The impact was profound: not only did the code become easier to understand and modify, but it also became more reliable and performant. Collaboration flourished as team members shared insights and worked together towards a common goal, highlighting the transformative power of investing in code quality through refactoring.

Shortlist the critical parts of the code that needs attention and try adding a tech debt day for your team to gradually address those problems, by doing this you’ll avoid taking too much time from delivering new features and bug fixes or overwhelming individual developers, but will not left problems like unmaintainable code unaddressed.

My code is never hard to maintain. But it is hard to make it that way. I invest the most to make it easy to be read and easy to be maintained after. Prevention is always better than reaction.