clean-code

Clean Code Skill

This skill embodies the principles of "Clean Code" by Robert C. Martin (Uncle Bob). Use it to transform "code that works" into "code that is clean."

🧠 Core Philosophy

"Code is clean if it can be read, and enhanced by a developer other than its original author." — Grady Booch

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• Writing new code: To ensure high quality from the start.
• Reviewing Pull Requests: To provide constructive, principle-based feedback.
• Refactoring legacy code: To identify and remove code smells.
• Improving team standards: To align on industry-standard best practices.

1. Meaningful Names

• Use Intention-Revealing Names: elapsedTimeInDays instead of d.
• Avoid Disinformation: Don't use accountList if it's actually a Map.
• Make Meaningful Distinctions: Avoid ProductData vs ProductInfo.
• Use Pronounceable/Searchable Names: Avoid genymdhms.
• Class Names: Use nouns (Customer, WikiPage). Avoid Manager, Data.
• Method Names: Use verbs (postPayment, deletePage).

2. Functions

• Small!: Functions should be shorter than you think.
• Do One Thing: A function should do only one thing, and do it well.
• One Level of Abstraction: Don't mix high-level business logic with low-level details (like regex).
• Descriptive Names: isPasswordValid is better than check.
• Arguments: 0 is ideal, 1-2 is okay, 3+ requires a very strong justification.
• No Side Effects: Functions shouldn't secretly change global state.

3. Comments

• Don't Comment Bad Code—Rewrite It: Most comments are a sign of failure to express ourselves in code.
• Explain Yourself in Code:

  # Check if employee is eligible for full benefits
  if employee.flags & HOURLY and employee.age > 65:
  

  vs

  if employee.isEligibleForFullBenefits():
  

• Good Comments: Legal, Informative (regex intent), Clarification (external libraries), TODOs.
• Bad Comments: Mumbling, Redundant, Misleading, Mandated, Noise, Position Markers.