Characteristics of good code

Once again, I must disappoint you. I struggle to find a clear, precise, and universally agreed-upon definition of what good code is. It is a highly subjective concept that heavily depends on the context. Online and in textbooks, you can find numerous definitions that differ slightly from each other. However, I strongly believe that there are some foundations on which we can all agree. I will try to summarize the various interpretations of good code and provide some feedback based on my experience, for what it’s worth.

Good code is readable

Obviously, this is the first thing. Pretty intuitive, right? Well, yes, but it’s one of the aspects that I’ve often found to be underestimated. Sometimes we are so focused on achieving the end result, on delivering a product at all costs, that we forget about what comes after; we forget that – as already mentioned – code must not only speak to machines but also and above all to...