Understanding Coding Anti-Patterns for Better Practices
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Coding Anti-Patterns
In my journey as a programmer, I've gathered various coding anti-patterns that can often be observed when examining code.
When I review code, it’s rare for me to come across something that leaves me questioning its purpose. Although it might be tempting to copy existing code, especially for newcomers, it's crucial to evaluate whether those codes are indeed exemplary. Thus, I've compiled a list of frequent anti-patterns that deserve attention during code reviews.
As a web developer, the nuances may vary across different domains, but fundamental principles are universally applicable. Below are some common anti-patterns I’ve identified, drawing from sources like Wikipedia as well as my own experiences.
Section 1.1: Common Anti-Patterns
Fat Method
As the term suggests, this anti-pattern is characterized by methods that have become excessively large. Experienced programmers may encounter methods exceeding 1000 lines, which is not ideal. While you might attempt to mitigate this by using local variables instead of global ones, the core issue remains. Aim for methods that can fit on a single screen, typically between 5 to 20 lines, to enhance clarity and testability.
God Method
This anti-pattern refers to a method that seemingly handles every possible task. Such methods often bear names like exec, run, or main. When flags start to control the flow, it raises concern. If you need to adjust processing based on arguments, it's better to isolate the handling logic in separate methods, potentially utilizing the Strategy or Command patterns.
Divine Object
Similar to the God Method, this anti-pattern involves an object that is capable of performing a multitude of tasks. Good design dictates that a class should adhere to the Single Responsibility Principle (SRP). In web applications, actions often morph into divine objects, which can complicate maintainability. By segmenting specific logic into distinct classes, you can enhance both maintainability and testability.
The first video titled "5 Programming ANTIPATTERNS for Beginners!" provides an overview of common pitfalls in coding practices. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and avoiding these anti-patterns to improve your programming skills.
Exception Hiding
This anti-pattern occurs when exceptions are caught but not properly addressed, making it difficult to trace bugs when they arise. Unless there is a specific need to catch exceptions (like for retry logic), it’s generally advisable to allow exceptions to propagate to the top level for appropriate handling and logging.
Section 1.2: Further Anti-Patterns
Resources That Cannot Be Closed
This anti-pattern arises when developers neglect to close file resources properly, potentially leading to resource leaks. To avoid this, utilize local variables for initialization and ensure they are closed in a final block. For frequently manipulated files, consider utilizing callbacks with Lambda expressions.
Initialization Overkill
In Java, initiating everything upfront can lead to unnecessary complexity. While this may not always be an issue, it's best practice to restrict initialization of utility classes to prevent unintended access from outside the class.
The second video titled "Functional Programming Anti-Patterns" dives deeper into specific anti-patterns prevalent in functional programming, offering insights on how to avoid them.
Chapter 2: Recognizing and Avoiding Anti-Patterns
Field Overuse
An anti-pattern arises when fields are excessively diverse, increasing complexity within state management. Aim to minimize stateful behavior and prefer passing parameters to methods instead of relying heavily on fields. This leads to cleaner, more maintainable code.
Premature Optimization
While optimizing code is vital, it’s crucial not to sacrifice readability for minor performance gains. Often, it’s more beneficial to focus on writing clear, understandable code and optimize only when performance issues arise.
Excessive Comments
While comments are necessary, an overabundance can indicate underlying issues, such as bloated methods. Strive to write self-explanatory code, reducing the need for comments to clarify intent.
Misleading Method Names
This anti-pattern occurs when method names do not accurately reflect their functionality, leading to confusion. Following naming conventions can help ensure methods are intuitive, reducing misunderstandings.
Chameleon Variables
Chameleon variables change their references frequently, making the code hard to follow. It's advisable to use distinct names for variables to enhance clarity, especially in long methods.
Fickle Singleton
A singleton object should remain constant across the system. Frequent changes to a singleton can lead to unpredictable behavior. It’s best to design singletons as immutable to mitigate this risk.
Babel Collapse
Inconsistent naming conventions can create confusion within codebases. Establishing a glossary and adhering to a standard naming convention can help maintain clarity.
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