The thing with code clarity: you can't be proud of something I can't read

The post argues that code is written for people as well as computers. Clear code helps future developers understand what, why, when, and how things happen, while unclear code invites mistakes, fear, and decay over time.

It says writing readable code takes time and practice, and that developers should use naming, structure, spacing, indentation, and comments when needed to make intent visible. It also recommends refactoring and thinking in tiers of complexity so readers can start with a high-level view and go deeper as needed.

Reading notes

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• Code should communicate to people, not only tell a computer what to do.
• Hard-to-read code makes changes riskier and can rot over time.
• The author says they still work to make their own code clearer and more story-like.
• Good code should let readers understand what, why, when, and how.
• Concise, clear code takes time and practice.
• Comments should be used when needed, but naming, structure, spacing, and indentation should carry most of the clarity.
• The author describes tiers of complexity, from a broad first view to deeper detail.
• The post recommends reading Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code.