Everybody wants to write “good code”, right? So why is it that nearly every time we pick up another developer’s work, our WTF-o-meter goes crazy?

Everybody has a different idea of what “good code” is. Below are a few ways that I believe we can increase the quality of our code and reduce the number of WTFs our code generates.

• Keep it simple; refactor overly-complex methods…
• …Or if refactoring isn’t feasible, document complex methods.
• Use descriptive variable and method names.
• Follow code conventions.
• Don’t commit unfinished or broken code.

Most of these are just common sense. The trouble is, we throw good coding practices – and common sense – out the window when we’re under pressure from things like slipping deadlines and scope creep. If you ever find this happening, just remember to write your code as if the person who has to maintain it is a violent psychopath who knows where you live. What would you rather: miss a deadline, or be hacked up into little pieces by an angry developer?