It is really important for any good software engineer to follow the coding standards and write quality code. This is one of things that makes you a better programmer.
I am sharing the tools that I use to help me write quality code while abiding to the coding standards in Java.
Importance of Coding Standards and Code Quality
Coding standards are important to make your code easy to understand, debug and maintain by other developers. It is critical when you have a large team working on same code base and in case one of the developer decides to leave.
There are many important reasons for why you should write quality code and follow coding standards but I will mention just a few:
Consistency
When you follow coding standards and write quality code you make your code consistent to how others should be writing their code (other who follow coding standards). It makes your code easy to read and understand by others.
Easy Debugging
When the code is easy to read and understand, it allows the debugging to be easy as well. Consistent code makes it easier to find and rectify bugs in the system.
Maintainability
Good code makes it easy for other developers to maintain your code. From fixing bugs to adding enhancements and features in your code. If the code is good quality, it makes the life of your peers easy. Especially, if you decide to leave a company and other have to continue on your project.
Code Reusability
You will be surprised to see how easy and efficient development become when you write reusable code. Coding standards will make your code look cleaner and optimized which in turn allow you to convert your code in reusable code.
Cost Efficient
Costs can be reduced with good quality code because it reduces development and maintenance effort with reusable and easy to maintain code.
Code Quality with SonarLint
This is one of the best linting plugin I have every used. SonarLint is an IDE extension that shows your warnings as you write the bad code. If warns you with the issues from spelling check to compliant and non-compliant solution with examples. It also shows you the criticality of the issue.
The best thing is it reminds you of those issues if you choose to ignore the report and go ahead with committing your code.
SonarLint Supported IDEs
- IntelliJ
- Eclipse
- Visual Studio Code
- VS Code
SonarLint Supported Languages
- Java
- JavaScript
- TypeScript
- HTML5
- PHP
- Python
Installing SonarLint
To install SonarLint, go to your IDE settings > Plugins and search for the plugin in marketplace. Restart the IDE and the plugin should be working.
Share Your Thoughts
What practices do you follow? Which tools do you use for code quality?
