Keep It Simple, Developers

“Clever engineers write code that makes them look smart. Exceptional engineers write code that doesn’t need explaining.” When I read this in a recent post by Rafa Paez, my first reaction was, “Goddammit, why didn’t I come up with this?” In a few sentences, Rafa brilliantly captured so many things I’ve always wanted to say to so many developers.

I think every developer eventually goes through a phase where we feel pressure to write code that others will see as “advanced” or sophisticated. To show off. And with sweaty palms, we bang out code that’s supposed to instill fear in the heart of every meek junior dev. Code that screams, “I’m a big-shot, experienced developer, a force to be reckoned with!”

But ironically, that kind of code often just screams insecurity. The only principle that has stood the test of time for me is this: keep it simple. “I can understand your code easily” is the highest compliment a developer can receive. JP