IF code is commented properly THEN readability is good and ELSE is a useful construct.

brandiware — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 07:58:32 +0000

Here's my opinion on the numerous attempts to improve code readability by dropping useful language constructs such as ELSE.

Readability IS a sign of code quality - for sure. And it boosts the value of software for quite obvious reasons.

HOWEVER, that is NOT achieved effectively enough by dropping useful elements of the coding language. You can't assert "never use a knive!" simply because MISUSE of knives is dangerous and can be BLOODY.

INSTEAD, consider focussing on MORE and proper COMMENTING (surely you can comment your code even better than in the example below):

// Process the passed argument, ... the result of the ... calculation ... , ... if it IS useful
if myVariable != nil {
//DoSomeUsefulStuff(myVariable)
}

Now judge by yourself how well the else part reads if commented (do provide logical context of the preceeding IF logic)

// Drop out of the function / procedure if the passed argument, ... the result of the ... calculation ... , ... is NOT useful
} else {
return “”
}

My personal bottom line on code readability: do COMMENT amply;

DEV Community: brandiware

IF code is commented properly THEN readability is good and ELSE is a useful construct.