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Rajiv Chaulagain
Rajiv Chaulagain

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Best Practices for Writing Clean and Maintainable JavaScript Code

1. Meaningful Variable and Function Names:
Tip: Use descriptive names that clearly indicate the purpose of the variable or function.
Example:

Copy code
// Bad
const x = calculate(5);

// Good
const totalPrice = calculatePrice(5);
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2. Descriptive Comments:
Tip: Write concise but meaningful comments to explain complex logic or intent. Comments should clarify why something is done, not what is being done (which should be clear from the code itself).
Example:

// Bad
// Loops through the array
array.forEach(item => doSomething(item));

// Good
// Process each item to filter out non-active users
array.forEach(item => filterActiveUsers(item));
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3. Single Responsibility Principle:
Tip: Ensure that functions and methods perform one specific task, making them reusable and easy to debug.
Example:

// Bad
function handleUserLoginAndDisplayUserProfile() { /* multiple tasks */ }

// Good
function handleUserLogin() { /* one task */ }
function displayUserProfile() { /* one task */ }
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4. Consistent Formatting and Style:
Tip: Use consistent code formatting (indentation, spaces) and follow style guidelines (camelCase for variables, PascalCase for classes, etc.).
Example:

js
Copy code
// Bad
function fetchData(){return 'data'}

// Good
function fetchData() {
  return 'data';
}
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5. Avoid Magic Numbers and Strings:
Tip: Use named constants instead of hardcoding numbers or strings, which makes your code more readable and maintainable.
Example:

// Bad
const discount = total * 0.1;

// Good
const DISCOUNT_RATE = 0.1;
const discount = total * DISCOUNT_RATE;
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6. Write Modular Code:
Tip: Break down your code into smaller, reusable modules or functions. This increases reusability and maintainability.
Example:

// Bad
function processOrder(order) { /* many tasks */ }

// Good
function validateOrder(order) { /* one task */ }
function calculateTotal(order) { /* one task */ }
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7. Use Meaningful Error Handling:
Tip: Catch and handle errors properly, giving meaningful feedback to developers or users.
Example:

// Bad
try {
  processOrder(order);
} catch (e) {
  console.log(e);
}

// Good
try {
  processOrder(order);
} catch (error) {
  console.error(`Failed to process order: ${error.message}`);
}
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8. DRY Principle (Don't Repeat Yourself):
Tip: Avoid duplicating code by refactoring common logic into functions or modules.
Example:

// Bad
const userAge = getUserAge();
const userName = getUserName();

// Good
function getUserDetails() {
  return {
    age: getUserAge(),
    name: getUserName(),
  };
}
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