Java By Comparison

Any fool can write code that a computer can understand. Good programmers write code that humans can understand.

Martin Fowler

Chapter 1Start Cleaning Up

Have you ever looked back at a piece of code you wrote several months ago and wondered what you were thinking? Could any of your colleagues understand it within a reasonable amount of time? Writing readable code is an essential skill for a programmer. In fact, it’s one of your most important communication skills—it’s your public relations agent and your calling card. It says everything people need to know about your skills as a programmer, and it quickly reveals whether you’re a novice or an expert.

The truth is in the code. Forget the developer’s intentions and the promises in the documentation. ...