The Controversy Around Code Comments: Reasons, Drawbacks, and Best Practices

In the world of software development, the debate over the necessity and value of code comments remains a topic of great contention. Some developers fervently adhere to the philosophy that 'best written code is self-documented,' while others argue that comments serve a critical role in ensuring software maintainability and readability. This article delves into the reasons behind programmers’ dislike for comments, the potential drawbacks of omitting them, and best practices for effective documentation.

Why Some Developers Hate Writing Comments

One of the primary reasons developers may dislike writing comments is that it takes time and effort they feel could be better spent on writing code itself. This sentiment is often reinforced by the common belief that code should be self-explanatory through its structure and naming conventions alone. Many developers, as mentioned, strive to name their functions and methods in such a way that anyone reading the code can immediately understand its purpose and functionality. For example:

function add(a, b) {  return a   b;}

While this approach can work well for small, straightforward functions, the real-world complexity of modern software often necessitates more than just self-explanatory code.

Downsides of Not Writing Comments

When developers skip commenting important parts of their code, several problems can arise. These include:

1. Maintenance Challenges

Years later, when the developer who wrote the code is no longer available, maintaining that code becomes much more challenging. Omissions in documentation can lead to misunderstandings and potential errors in newer iterations. For instance, consider a piece of legacy code:

function xyz() {  // Some complex logic here  // Refer to external documentation for details}

When the logic in `xyz()` relies on external documentation, it can become difficult for a new developer to understand the context without referring to extensive documentation or seeking help from the original developer.

2. Cryptic Code and Development Hell

A few extreme but not uncommon cases exist where developers intentionally write cryptic code to make it seem more 'professional' or unique. While this might seem like a clever way to differentiate themselves, it often leads to frustration and productivity issues when others (including future selves) need to understand the logic.

3. Unnecessary Strain on Developers

Writing too much code without proper commentary can also lead to a phenomenon known as 'flip-point,' where developers reach a breaking point and refuse to write more code. This often results in hurried and incomplete documentation, which is just as problematic as no documentation at all.

Best Practices for Code Documentation

To strike a balance between self-documenting code and effective comments, developers can adopt the following best practices:

1. Use Meaningful Variable and Function Names

Always prioritize clear and concise variable and function names that convey their purpose. For example:

function calculateTotalRevenueForPeriod(period) {  // Logic to calculate total revenue for the given period  return totalRevenue;}

However, even this approach has its limits. In complex scenarios, additional context is often needed.

2. External Documentation and Comments

When self-explanatory code is insufficient, use external documentation to provide comprehensive context. This can include:

README files for high-level overviews API documentation for external interfaces Version control system notes Design documents

Here is an example of a well-commented function:

/** * Calculates the total revenue for a given period. * @param period The time period for which to calculate revenue. * @returns The total revenue for the specified period. */function calculateTotalRevenueForPeriod(period) {  // Logic to calculate total revenue for the given period  let totalRevenue  0;  for (let order of orders) {    totalRevenue    * order.quantity;  }  return totalRevenue;}

3. Code Reviews and Pair Programming

Implementing code reviews and pair programming can help catch unexplained code early in the development process. Peers can provide valuable feedback and suggest areas that may require further documentation.

In conclusion, while self-documentation is a noble goal, it is essential to strike a balance with comments to ensure maintainability and readability. Understanding the reasons behind a developer’s dislike for comments and the drawbacks of not documenting sufficiently can lead to a more collaborative and efficient development environment.