Why Consistent Code Formatting Matters in Software Development: Learning from UI/UX Design Principles
In software development, the significance of code formatting is often undervalued amidst priorities like functionality and deadlines. However, akin to how UI/UX designers meticulously orchestrate interfaces for optimal user experiences, developers need to recognise the pivotal role of code formatting in crafting a sustainable, efficient, and collaborative coding environment.
This article delves into the importance of consistent code formatting in software development, drawing parallels with UI/UX design principles, and examines how it affects the cognitive workload of developers.
The Importance of Readability and Cognitive Workload in Code
Readability in code transcends mere comprehension of what the code does. It’s about creating a codebase that is accessible, maintainable, and scalable.
A significant part of the cognitive workload in coding stems from deciphering the structure and flow of the code. When code is poorly formatted or inconsistently indented, it increases the cognitive load, demanding more mental effort to understand and maintain it.
Studies in software engineering suggest that developers spend considerable time reading and understanding code, which becomes more laborious and time-consuming with poor formatting. Much like a well-organized user interface, a well-organised code reduces cognitive strain and enhances the ability to navigate and understand the code efficiently.
class RandomExample {
private var count = 0
private val history = mutableListOf<Int>()
fun increment() {
count++
history.add(count)
println("Count is now: $count")
}
fun reset(){
count = 0
history.clear()
println("Count reset")
}
fun getLastFiveIncrements(): List<Int>{
if(history.size < 5) return history
else return history.subList(history.size - 5, history.size)
}
fun getCount(): Int {
return count
}
fun displayHistory() {
println("History: $history")
}
fun isEven(): Boolean {
if(count % 2 == 0) {
return true
}
return false
}
fun addValue(value: Int){
count += value
history.add(count)
println("Added $value, count is now: $count")
}
}While the example above pulls some issues I have encountered at work, it can still be extreme. The following code snippet was a real one taken from an online community. I do not want to shame anyone in public; therefore, just as an example, I am not going to acknowledge the original author:
Drawing Parallels with UI/UX Design Principles
Clarity, consistency, and efficiency are not just the tenets of good UI/UX design but are also crucial in code formatting. Clarity in code is about adopting a style that makes its purpose and function immediately apparent, reducing the cognitive workload required to understand it.
Consistent formatting ensures that the code adheres to a standardised style, akin to a well-designed user interface, which makes it more predictable and easier to follow for team members, further reducing cognitive strain.
The Role of Auto-Formatting Tools
Auto-formatting tools, such as KTLint, Prettier, ESLint, and others, are the architects of consistent code formatting. They play a pivotal role in reducing the cognitive workload by ensuring all team members adhere to a common standard. This is similar to grid systems and style guides in UI/UX design — they provide a framework that ensures consistency while allowing creativity and functionality to flourish.
Overcoming Resistance to Standardised Code Formatting
Transitioning to standardised code formatting can be challenging due to personal preferences or the perceived complexity of the initial setup. However, the long-term benefits, such as reduced cognitive workload, fewer merge conflicts, and more manageable code reviews, make this transition worthwhile.
It’s about prioritising the team’s efficiency and cognitive ease over individual preferences, mirroring the UI/UX design approach focusing on the user’s needs.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
So, do you want to work at Google? Tech giants and open-source projects often enforce strict code formatting rules, recognising the impact on cognitive workload.
For instance, Google’s and Airbnb’s style guides for programming languages are about aesthetics and reducing the mental effort needed to understand and work with the code.
Developers who have worked in environments with standardised formatting often report decreased cognitive strain, leading to improved code quality and a more enjoyable coding experience.
Conclusion
Consistent code formatting is a crucial element of professional software development. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about reducing the cognitive workload and enhancing clarity, consistency, and efficiency.
This article emphasises the need to view code formatting not just as a stylistic choice but as a fundamental aspect of reducing cognitive strain, drawing lessons from the established UI/UX design principles.
🗣️ Call to Action
Consider the cognitive benefits of consistent code formatting. Explore auto-formatting tools and advocate for standardised code formatting in your development teams. The effort to set up and adapt to these standards is a small price to pay for the significant benefits in cognitive ease, collaboration, and overall coding experience.
