Questions tagged [code-complete]

A seminal software development book by Steve McConnell, first in the Developer Best Practices book series and the top answer to the Stack Overflow question, "What is the single most influential book every programmer should read?" (Link in usage guidance details)

Code Complete is a highly influential software development book written by Steve McConnell, and is part of the book series Developer Best Practices containing 23 books.

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What are the key points of Code Complete?

I have heard a lot of people mention Code Complete as a book worthwhile reading. Unfortunately, I am so busy that I don't have time to read it, so can anyone tell me what the key points of the book are?
Casebash
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Are front-end state management tools an anti-pattern?

I'm currently reading "Code Complete" by Steve McConnell. In section 13.3 "Global data" in last paragraph "Don’t pretend you’re not using global data by putting all your data into a monster object and passing it everywhere", he said: Putting…
CoderDesu
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Do inline expressions obstruct readability of code?

Currently, I'm reading "Code Complete" by Steve McConnell, 24.3 chapter "Specific Refactorings". I've become kind of confused with 4th paragraph, that looks like: Move an expression inline Replace an intermediate variable that was assigned the…
CoderDesu
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What does the author of Code Complete mean when talking about hiding global data?

In section 6.4 of Code Complete 2nd Edition there is a paragraph about hiding global data. What I am particularly interested in, is that McConnell (the author of the book) gives examples of the benefits of hiding global data. There is one example…
Kapol
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When should one read 'Code Complete'?

I'm pretty sure about who, but when? The one with proficient knowledge of programming and software development or the one who's just a beginner in programming? I'm pursuing bachelors right now, when is it preferable for folks like me to read this…
Ayush Goyal
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Creating a good problem statement

< backstory > I grabbed a book called Code Complete at a used bookstore the other day because I heard it was a great book, and started reading it. After around 10 pages I realized that I've been kind of stupid about a recent project I've been…
Auden Young
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Programming *into* a language vs. writing C code in Ruby

Code Complete states that you should aways code into a language as opposed to code in it. By that, they mean Don't limit your programming thinking only to the concepts that are supported automatically by your language. The best programmers think of…
bastibe
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Code formatting: is it worth to make bad code to look bad?

In Code Complete 2nd Edition, Steve McConnell wrote the following (page 732): Techniques that make good code look good and bad code look bad are more useful than techniques that make all code look good. I have an argue about that and Eclipse…
uqk
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Is this paragraph in Code Complete 2 backwards, or am I misunderstanding it?

In chapter 13, when talking about pointers, there is a paragraph: Sometimes, however, you would like to have the semantics of pass by reference—that is, that the passed object should not be altered—with the implementation of pass by value—that…
mowwwalker
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What is the difference between detailed design and design for construction?

I am currently reading Code Complete. And I was confused when the author in one case uses the term "detailed design", and in the other "design for construction". What is their difference? Or is it one and the same? As I understand it, when…
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Why sequential cohesion for operations in a method is not a good idea?

I read from the seminal Code Complete book that method statements that require to be executed in order passing parameter from one to the next is a code smell and is an example of a sequential cohesion. Why is this not a good idea? A contrived…
Geek
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Explanation of Object-parameter-coupling as mentioned in Code Complete book

I have been reading up on the seminal and excellent book Code Complete. It discusses about the various kinds of couplings that can happen between modules(which may be classes as well as…
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In an if statement, what are an "if clause" and a "then clause"?

I am a bit confused about the nomenclature for the parts of an if statement. Consider the following example: 1: if condition then 2: statement_1; 3: else 4: statement_2; 5: end if; What is the "if clause" in this statement? Here are a…
rick
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What recent studies point to the possible improvement a programmer can make as a result of personal character traits?

In Chapter 33, Personal Character of Code Complete (Second ed.) McConnell cites some studies such as those listed below in support of the assertion that 10-1 improvement is possible from efforts in improving our programming as a result of personal…
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Why is design by contract considered an alternative to the pseudo programming process?

Right now I'm reading Code Complete by Steve McConnell and in chapter 9 he talks about the Pseudo Programming Process (PPP). From what I've understood, the PPP is a way of programming in which the programmer first writes the pseudo code for the…
Mihai Bişog
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