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Clean Code Practices
@tauseeffayyaz
Code Readability & Keep things simple to reduce
Simplicity complexity and improve collaboration.
Function & Class Keep functions small and classes
Design focused on a single job.
Testing & Write meaningful, maintainable tests to
Maintainability validate core logic and prevent regressions.
Code Structure & Keep dependencies clean and avoid
Architecture unnecessary complexity.
Refactoring & Keep the codebase clean, DRY, and
Iteration adaptable.
Robustness & Handle failure gracefully and reduce the
Safety impact of errors.
Documentation & Use documentation to support
Comments understanding and preserve context.
Tooling & Let tools enforce quality, consistency, and safety
Automation automatically, so you can focus on logic and design.
Final Review Before merging, make sure the code is clean,
Practices reviewed, and understandable.
@tauseeffayyaz
Meaningful Names
Use descriptive names for variables, functions, and
classes to convey intent. Avoid abbreviations,
misleading or generic terms. Clear naming reduces the
need for comments.
Improves clarity and understanding
@tauseeffayyaz
Short Functions
Split large functions into smaller, single-purpose ones.
This enhances readability and simplifies testing.
Easier to read and test
@tauseeffayyaz
Single Responsibility Principle
Each module, class, or function should do one thing
well and have only one reason to change.
Encourages modular design
@tauseeffayyaz
Avoid Deep Nesting
Flatten complex conditional blocks using early returns
or guard clauses. It improves linear readability.
Reduces mental overhead
@tauseeffayyaz
Consistent Formatting
Use a consistent code style for spacing, indentation,
and brackets. Automate formatting with tools.
Uniform appearance aids scanning
@tauseeffayyaz
Remove Dead Code
Eliminate unused variables, commented code, and
unnecessary imports. Keeps the codebase clean and
lean.
Prevents confusion and clutter
@tauseeffayyaz
Minimal Side Effects
Functions should not unexpectedly change external
state. Keep them pure unless intended.
Promotes predictable behavior
@tauseeffayyaz
Function Arguments (<=3)
Limit parameters to avoid complexity. Use objects to
group related data and enhance readability.
Simpler and cleaner signatures
@tauseeffayyaz
Pure Functions
Functions should produce the same output for the same
input without modifying external state.
Reliable and test-friendly
@tauseeffayyaz
Descriptive Function Names
Use names that describe what the function does (e.g.,
getUser, calculateTax). Avoid vague verbs.
Self-explanatory code
@tauseeffayyaz
Keep Classes Small
Each class should do one thing and avoid bloating with
unrelated logic or data.
Promotes reuse and testability
@tauseeffayyaz
Composition Over Inheritance
Reuse behavior by combining smaller objects rather
than using deep inheritance trees.
Enhances flexibility and control
@tauseeffayyaz
Write Unit Tests For Logic
Test core logic in isolation to catch bugs early and
enable confident refactoring.
Validates functionality
@tauseeffayyaz
Avoid Over-Mocking
Mock only what you must. Prefer real implementations
in integration and end-to-end tests.
Ensures realistic testing
@tauseeffayyaz
Test Edge Cases
Go beyond the happy path. Handle invalid inputs,
boundaries, and rare conditions.
Increases code reliability
@tauseeffayyaz
Keep Tests Readable
Tests should tell a clear story. Use descriptive names
and structure for readability.
Easier to maintain
@tauseeffayyaz
Refactor with Tests
Refactor code incrementally and rely on tests to verify
behavior before and after.
Safe and reliable changes
@tauseeffayyaz
Group by Feature, Not Type
Structure folders and files by domain features instead
of technical types (e.g., utils/services).
Improves project navigation
@tauseeffayyaz
Encapsulate Logic
Hide internal details and avoid leaking implementation
through public interfaces.
Reduces coupling
@tauseeffayyaz
Avoid Large Objects
Break down large, all-knowing classes into smaller
domain-specific ones.
Improves maintainability
@tauseeffayyaz
Use Interface Abstractions
Expose only what’s needed. Abstract dependencies for
flexibility and testability.
Enables decoupling
@tauseeffayyaz
Minimize Global State
Avoid shared mutable state. Use scoped, controlled
data to prevent unexpected behavior.
Reduces bugs
@tauseeffayyaz
Refactor Ruthlessly
Make code better continuously without changing
behavior. Simplify, rename, and split responsibilities.
Keeps code healthy
@tauseeffayyaz
Follow Boy Scout Rule
Always leave code cleaner than you found it, even in
small ways.
Promotes collective care
@tauseeffayyaz
Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY)
Extract repeated logic into functions or shared
modules. Duplication breeds maintenance headaches.
Avoids redundancy
@tauseeffayyaz
Keep It Simple (KISS)
Start with the simplest working solution. Add
complexity only when necessary.
Prevents over-engineering
@tauseeffayyaz
You Aren’t Gonna Need It (YAGNI)
Don’t write code for future hypothetical needs. Build
when required.
Saves time and effort
@tauseeffayyaz
Fail Fast
Validate inputs early and throw errors where
appropriate. Don’t let bad data spread.
Detects issues early
@tauseeffayyaz
Graceful Error Handling
Catch exceptions with meaningful messages. Don’t
crash unnecessarily.
Improves UX
@tauseeffayyaz
Avoid Magic Numbers/Strings
Use named constants or enums for better meaning,
consistency, and refactoring.
Enhances readability
@tauseeffayyaz
Immutable Data Structures
Favor immutability to prevent accidental changes and
side effects.
Improves Safety
@tauseeffayyaz
Self-Documenting Code
Use clear names and structure so others can
understand without comments.
Reduces need for extra docs
@tauseeffayyaz
Comment Why, Not What
Only explain intent, reasoning, or non-obvious
decisions, not what is already evident.
Preserves logic context
@tauseeffayyaz
Keep Docs Close to Code
Use inline docstrings, annotations, or tool-supported
formats to describe usage and purpose.
Accessible explanations
@tauseeffayyaz
Use Linters
Catch formatting issues, code smells, and errors with
automated linters.
Enforces code standards
@tauseeffayyaz
Use Formatters (Prettier/Black)
Automatically format code to keep a uniform, readable
style across the team.
Saves manual formatting
@tauseeffayyaz
Use Static Analysis Tools
Analyze code for bugs, complexity, and bad practices
before runtime.
Prevents deeper issues
@tauseeffayyaz
Automate Code Reviews
Use CI tools to enforce code quality rules on each pull
request.
Scales review process
@tauseeffayyaz
Code Review Before Merge
Always have peers review code for quality, logic, and
standards before merging.
Catches issues early
@tauseeffayyaz
Refactor Before You Add
Improve nearby code before adding new logic to avoid
compounding tech debt.
Keeps code clean
@tauseeffayyaz
Avoid Clever Code
Write code that’s obvious and easy to follow, even if
it’s longer.
Clarity over complexity
@tauseeffayyaz
About Tauseef Fayyaz
Full-Stack Engineer, Ranked #1 in Computer
Engineering (Pakistan), Career Mentor for Aspiring
Engineers, Tech Content Creator
You can request a dedicated mentorship session with me
for guidance, support, or just honest career advice.
https://topmate.io/tauseeffayyaz/page/ofsztX71UK
@tauseeffayyaz
Your support keeps
me motivated.
@tauseeffayyaz
