Software developers strive to write code that is concise and easy to comprehend. However, achieving this level of code simplicity is not always a simple task. This is primarily because the complexity of the code may not be apparent to developers or the development team until the code has undergone several stages. At Works, we understand the importance of code simplicity and work relentlessly to produce clean and efficient code.
Creating code is a time-intensive process for developers, and maintaining it can be even more time-consuming. As a project advances and goals evolve, the codebase becomes more complex and requires frequent updates to adapt to the project’s altered requirements. At Works, we acknowledge that keeping the code up to date is critical to the success of the project and we execute this with utmost diligence.
After scrutinizing the code, developers may find many lines of redundant code. However, by the time this is identified, the code is typically too intricate to remedy. At Works, we have a comprehensive approach to code assessment that ensures the identification and elimination of superfluous code before it becomes too entrenched and avoids any complexity.
Here are some pointers that can help developers comprehend code complexity and simplify their code. At Works, we believe that these six tips can be useful to software development professionals in producing code that is clear, concise and meets project needs.
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Definition of Code Complexity
“Code complexity” indicates the number of attributes in your code. These features determine how your code interacts with other code present. At Works, we understand the significance of managing code complexity and emphasize on keeping it minimal to ensure that the code is readily comprehensible.
Code complexity can arise both intentionally or unintentionally. At Works, we thoroughly assess the codebase to determine whether the complexity is needed or not and strive to eliminate any undue complexity that hampers its understandability.
Crucial Complexity:
Incorporating code to an existing program to enhance its user-friendliness can inadvertently result in a code that is complex due to the addition of essential complexity in the process. Despite this complexity being seemingly justified, it can still make the program less intuitive than the initial version. At Works, we understand that balancing essential and accidental complexity is critical in producing code that is both effective and easy to use.
Inadvertent Complexity:
Inadvertent code complexity can often pose a significant obstacle in software engineering, resulting from the disparity between user interface design and user action. While end-users may remain oblivious to this form of code complexity, it should not be ignored by developers. At Works, we acknowledge the gravity of inadvertent code complexity and strive to identify and mitigate its effects on the overall program design.
Unintentional code complexity can hinder the integration of new features with existing designs, impeding productivity. Newly recruited software developers may need longer periods to acquaint themselves with the codebase, further impacting productivity. At Works, we focus on keeping code complexity in check to ensure that the development process of new features is a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Factors that Contribute to Code Complexity
Creating a complex codebase can be a daunting task, given its intricate structure that can be hard to unravel. Developers must assess the codebase on multiple parameters, including readability, ease of comprehensibility, and system traceability, to analyze its complexity level. At Works, we prioritize these parameters to develop a codebase that is both reliable and effortless to comprehend.
Developers who aim to construct a perfect system or complicated architecture that cannot be refactored are essentially squandering their time. At Works, we believe in building a codebase that is agile and flexible, making it easy to refactor and enhance it in response to the ever-changing requirements of the system.
At times, insufficient coding methodologies can result in an increase in code complexity. Software developers tend to stay up-to-date with the latest programming languages and frameworks, which sometimes may not complement the coding requirements of the project. At Works, we ensure that our developers are well-versed with a wide variety of programming languages and software stacks and choose the apt ones that suit the project requirements to keep the code complexity minimal.
What looks good on a developer’s resume may not be practical in real-world coding scenarios. At Works, we recognize that a software project’s success heavily depends on how well the codebase caters to the project’s requirements; thus, we rely on practical and efficient coding practices to ensure the project’s success.
In architecture, engineering, or design aspects, prioritizing novel solutions over tried-and-true methodologies may not be a viable approach. At Works, we believe in striking a balance between traditional and modern methodologies to create a codebase that aligns with the project requirements and stands the test of time at the same time.
Excessive simplification of codebase and excessively rigid testing standards can make the software development process more complicated. Developers must be aware that overly flexible testing standards for code modifications might cause complexities at a later stage of the development cycle. At Works, we adhere to a balanced approach that incorporates adequate testing and simplicity, ensuring that the codebase is both robust and easy to comprehend.
Ways to Simplify Code
When building a feature-rich application or software, writing code is never an easy task. At Works, we understand the importance of employing efficient coding practices that help us streamline the coding process while ensuring that the final product aligns with the project requirements.
Keeping code complexity in check is crucial for developers, and it is essential to exercise caution while writing, testing, and upgrading code. To avoid code complexity, developers should use meticulous care and deliberate intent when performing these tasks. This approach ensures that the code remains efficient, well-written, and aligns perfectly with the end product requirements. At Works, we emphasize the importance of code simplicity and work towards developing a clean and comprehensible codebase that is a perfect fit for the project.
Here are some tips to simplify and reduce code complexity:
Do you require decoupling for your code?
Decoupling code can offer flexibility where it is required. Although splitting code into distinct parts can elevate a degree of complexity, it is offset by increased control and scalability.
Conducting large-scale refactoring can be challenging due to decoupling. This arises due to the highly fragmented architecture of the system, making it challenging to create intuitive and easily understandable designs. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between the application’s convenience and the system’s overall simplicity and evaluate whether it is always necessary. Assessing this balance could lead to discovering solutions that allow for better overall user experience. At Works, we ensure that the codebase is properly decoupled, without compromising its comprehensibility, and adheres to the project requirements.Embrace a minimalist approach.
Including numerous dependencies in a project can lead to system complexity. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate only the necessary dependencies and associated side effects for the project. This ensures that the project is as streamlined and efficient as possible.
Libraries offer an easy way for developers to avoid writing code from scratch, but they can also add complexity to the codebase by removing the developer’s control over certain aspects of the code. Libraries may also cause compatibility issues, consequently slowing down or even crashing the computer. To simplify the code, developers should replace libraries with a few basic lines of code whenever feasible. Our developers at Works prefer to exclude libraries whenever possible, and if not, they make sure they can be clearly recognized in the code to keep the codebase simple and efficient.Enhance code readability.
Instead of prioritizing documentation, it is crucial to ensure that the code is easily readable as it remains the most reliable representation of the system’s behaviour. While comments and documentation may not always be precise, code will always be a dependable and accurate representation of the system. Therefore, developers must write code in a clear and concise manner to streamline its comprehensibility, maintenance and modify it in the future. This saves time and eliminates the need to create additional documentation for implementing changes in the future. At Works, we emphasize the importance of clean code and aim to keep the codebase easily understandable and maintainable.Step back from SOLID for a while.
Undeniably, Robert C. Martin’s (Uncle Bob) SOLID principles of object-oriented design have influenced many developers. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand the context in which these principles were developed, i.e., the telecommunications industry. Consequently, it is crucial to recognize that game development and telecommunications applications differ in constraints and ideas, and therefore SOLID may not always be the most appropriate approach. In some cases, it may even add an unnecessary level of complexity to the codebase. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis to determine the best approach. At Works, we recognize that development requirements differ from project to project, and we use SOLID principles only when it aligns with the project’s requirements.Identify abstractions.
Prior to applying the Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY) principle to your code, it is crucial to recognize the abstractions. This can be accomplished by using examples to demonstrate the connections between various elements. Once you have identified three to four similar instances of a component, you can begin removing redundant information from the code. However, it is essential to avoid trying to generalize the codebase to accommodate potential future demands. Instead, it is recommended to make changes based on the current circumstances and reasonable expectations. At Works, we follow the DRY principle and ensure that the code remains concise and reproducible.Eliminate all redundant code.
Unnecessary code can negatively impact even well-intentioned programs. Redundant code can sneak into the system in small, seemingly insignificant ways, such as superfluous classes, single-implementation interfaces, and design patterns that offer no additional value. As a result, developers must make time to review their code from time to time, identify and eradicate any elements that contribute to code complexity. At Works, we carry out regular code reviews and make sure that the codebase remains free of any superfluous or redundant components that do not contribute to program functionality.
Summary
The success of a software product rests on its code, infrastructure, and architecture. At Works, our developers emphasize the importance of well-structured and streamlined codebase that is maintainable and scalable as the foundation for successful software products.
While code complexity can seem intimidating to developers, it doesn’t have to be as challenging as it may seem. At Works, we believe in adopting best coding practices that help in simplifying the development process while keeping the codebase comprehensible and efficient.
Managing program complexity is mainly related to the size of functions and procedures. At Works, we emphasize the importance of keeping the codebase organized, ensuring that functions and procedures are appropriately sized, making sure that the code remains clean, and comprehensible while being scalable and efficient.
Limit the number of functions and methods used in the codebase. In case they grow too large, our developers at Works adopt a strategy to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces to keep the codebase concise and comprehensible, while ensuring its efficiency and scalability.
It is important to remember that code simplicity is crucial for developing well-written, clean code. At Works, we believe that ensuring code simplicity is crucial to streamlining the development process and delivering efficient and maintainable products to our clients.
