Python is one of the most useful and loved languages in today’s time. In fact, almost every programmer has started studying Python. Apart from that, due to its heavy application in data science, it has become an important programming language to learn. Moreover, people like it since it is easy to comprehend and apply.
However, just writing Python programs does not help in the long run. In fact, you have to write code in a way that is readable. Also, clean code helps in maintenance and collaboration. In addition to that, there are fewer errors, easy debugging, and fast development.
Read on to get a better idea of why it is important to write clean code in Python. Also, you will be able to learn how to write clean code in Python.
Why Is It Important to Write Clean Code in Python?
When you are utilizing Python to develop software or a website, you will be able to improve its readability. Apart from that, it is also easier to maintain.
Basically, with the help of clean code, you will be able to reduce the number of errors. In addition to that, it is also easier to debug a program by ensuring clean code. More importantly, clean code also ensures faster development cycles.
If you look at things in the long run, clean code is a major investment that will pay off. This way, you will be able to ensure that your code is easy to comprehend. Also, your code will be easy to modify and extend. This way, you will be able to save your time and resources. In fact, it is as important as selecting the right cleaner for your PC.
The following are some of the major reasons why clean code is important when you are programming in Python:
- Better Comprehension and Readability
When you stick to clean code, you will be able to make it easily comprehensible. In fact, even if you are a developer who does not write code initially, clean code is extremely beneficial. Thereby, you will be able to reduce your time to comprehend the functionality of the code.
Apart from that, when you structure and name your code properly, you will be able to reduce the amount of mental effort. This way, you will be able to grasp the purpose of the code faster.
- Easier to Maintain
When your code is easily comprehensible, it means you will be able to update and modify it from time to time. This is a critical requirement for software development in the long term. In fact, you will be able to implement changes faster. Also, there will be no risk of bugs.
Moreover, there will be no technical debt when you write clean code. Basically, technical debt is the extra development you have to do to clean up unclean code.
- Better Collaboration
If you stick to clean code with your team, you will be able to work on the same code with multiple developers. Hence, this will improve collaboration. This is because your team members will be able to identify and update each other’s code.
Moreover, everyone will have a shared idea of the code. This will further lead to more efficient teamwork.
- Fewer Bugs and Errors
In general, when a code is structured and readable, they are less prone to errors. Hence, by ensuring clean code, you will be able to identify bugs better. Thereby, you will be able to fix them during development.
However, if there are bugs present, you will be able to locate them faster. This way, you will also be able to resolve them. As a result, you will be able to save your time and effort.
- Higher Efficiency
If your code is readable, you will be able to maintain it faster. Hence, you will get a chance to be more efficient. Hence, your developmental cycle will be faster. As a result, the developmental cost will be low.
However, clean code must not be your primary goal. Despite that, you will be more efficient if you practice writing clean code in Python.
- More Scalability
Two of the major clean code principles are:
- Modularity
- Separation of concerns
Hence, if you implement them rightly, you will be able to adapt to new requirements faster. Thereby, you will be able to scale your codebase, too. In addition to that, clean code does not require complete rewrites. Hence, when you have to add new features, you will be able to do away with a few extra lines.
How to Write Clean Code in Python? - Essential Steps
The following are some of the steps you must follow if you want to write clean code in Python:
- Ensure Good Documentation
Good documentation starts with readable comments on the code. Hence, make sure to include the following:
- Single-Line Comments (Start with the ‘#’ symbol)
- Multi-Line Comments (Start and end with triple (''') quotes)
- Utilize Clean Indentation
In general, when you write Python code, you will have to rely on space or tab indentation. Hence, make sure to precede each statement in your code by a space/double space/tab. Thereby, you will be able to show that you are starting a new line of code.
- Make the Most of Virtual Environments
When you work on virtual environments, your libraries and packages will be isolated from those outside the Python environment. Hence, try to have multiple virtual environments when you are working on a different project. This way, you will be able to separate dependencies. Moreover, you will also be able to share code.
- Develop Your Own Module
The DRY principle always works. In this case, you do not write redundant code. Hence, you will not have to write functions for repetitive tasks. In fact, you will be making modules for your code. Thereby, you will be able to implement your modules in new projects rather than writing code from scratch.
- Implement Meaningful Variables and Function Names
When it comes to declaring variables and functions, Python follows the snake case. Although Python will not show an error for flat cases and camel cases, it is better not to do so. In addition to that, Python also follows snake case in naming conventions.
Start Writing Clean Code Now
It is not difficult to write clean code in Python. However, if you are starting out as a beginner, it might be hard to keep up. Hence, the best thing to do is to practice clean coding whenever you write Python code. This way, you will be able to benefit a lot in the long run.
Do you want to suggest more clean code practices in Python programming? Please share your suggestions and opinions in the comments section below.