15 Ways to Write Self-documenting JavaScript

Key points for writing self-documented JavaScript code

This article will explore how to write self-documented and maintained self-documented JavaScript code through structured techniques, naming conventions and syntax techniques. While self-documented code can reduce the need for comments, it does not completely replace good comments and comprehensive documentation.

Core skills

• Structured technology: Move the code into a function, replace conditional expressions with functions, and use pure functions to make the code clearer and easier to understand.
• Naming Convention:Name variables, functions, and classes with meaningful names to improve code readability.
• Syntax Skills: Avoid using syntax techniques, use named constants and make the code clearer.
• Extract code with caution: Avoid over-extracting code in pursuit of short functions, which may reduce the comprehensibility of the code.

Technical Overview

We divide the self-documented code into three categories:

• Structure:Use the structure of code or directory to clarify the purpose of the code.
• Name-related: For example, the naming of functions or variables.
• Syntax Related: Use (or avoid) language features to make the code clearer.

Structured technology

• Move code into function: Move existing code into new function to make its functions clearer. For example, var width = (value - 0.5) * 16; can be rewritten as:

var width = emToPixels(value);

function emToPixels(ems) {
    return (ems - 0.5) * 16;
}

• Replace conditional expressions with functions: Convert complex conditional statements into functions to improve readability.

• Replace expressions with variables: Decompose complex expressions into multiple variables to improve comprehensibility.

• Class and Module Interfaces: The public methods and properties of a class can be used as documentation of their usage. A clear interface can directly reflect the usage of the class.

• Code grouping: Grouping related codes can indicate that there is an association between the codes and facilitate maintenance.

• Use pure functions: Pure functions are easier to understand because their output only depends on input parameters and has no side effects.

• Directory and file structure: Organize files and directories according to existing naming conventions in the project to facilitate code search and understanding.

Naming skills

• Function rename: Use verbs in active voice and explicitly indicate the return value. Avoid using vague words such as "handle" or "manage".

• Variable rename: Use a meaningful name and specify the unit (e.g. widthPx). Avoid using abbreviations.

• Adhere to established naming conventions: Maintain a consistent naming style in the project.

• Use meaningful error messages: Ensure that the error messages thrown by the code are descriptive and contain relevant information that caused the error.

Grammar Skills

• Avoid using grammar tips: Avoid using difficult-to-understand grammar tips, such as imTricky && doMagic();, and use clearer if statements.

• Use named constants to avoid magic values:Use named constants instead of magic values ​​to improve code readability and maintainability.

• Avoid Boolean flags: Boolean flags may make the code difficult to understand and should be considered for a clearer approach.

• Get full use of language features:Use the features provided by languages, such as array iteration methods, to make the code more concise and easy to understand.

Anti-mode

• Overextracting code for short functions: Avoid overextracting code in order to pursue short functions, which may reduce the comprehensibility of the code.

• Don't force it: If a method is not suitable, do not force it to use it.

Summary

Writing self-documented code can significantly improve the maintainability of the code and reduce the need for comments. However, self-documented code cannot completely replace documents or comments. Good annotations and API documentation are still crucial for large projects.

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