Functions as the Language of Domain Expertise
Functions form the first and smallest level of modularization in any software. They are the direct expression of the behavior and domain expertise of a system. In the clean code world, they therefore hold a particularly important position, as leading software experts emphasize.
The Readability Challenge
Developers spend a large portion of their time reading code and navigating through functions – whether debugging, implementing new features, or familiarizing themselves with a domain. That's why it's crucial to design functions according to clean code principles.
Key Elements of Good Function Design
What does this mean in everyday practice? First, we refer back to the previously discussed point "Meaningful Names": the name of a function should immediately and unambiguously communicate its purpose.
Beyond that, "function API design" is of central importance. This refers to how the signature of a function (parameters, return values, exceptions) should be designed to be:
Intuitively understandable
Consistent within the overall system
Meaningful in application
Reusable in different contexts
In addition, functions should be as short as possible and as long as necessary. They should accomplish one thing. Like a screwdriver, which was also designed for a specific purpose.
Consistency Creates Predictability
By adhering to uniform design principles, developers can make reliable assumptions about the behavior of functions. They navigate in a predictable API landscape and can use it uniformly and intuitively.
For practical implementation, numerous proven rules and patterns exist – for example, for handling boolean parameters, for meaningful return values with certain function names, and much more.
More Than Just a Technical Detail
This is just a small glimpse into the extensive clean code knowledge regarding functions. But even these basic principles can serve as valuable food for thought.
Design your functions with care – your colleagues and your future self will thank you for it.
