Importance of Coding Standards

Programming Help for Beginners

We write programs to instruct computers. When programming using a high level programming language like C++ or Java, we are using a syntax that is somewhat closer to human languages. However, we use these programs as inputs to either compilers or interpreters to be converted to computer understandable binary format. For this reason, as far as the program code adheres to the syntax of the used programming languages, the compilers and interpreters never bother about the layout or visual formatting of the program code. However, as human programmers, we ourselves need to bother about the aesthetics of the program code.

What is a Coding Standard?

A coding standard is a set of guidelines, rules and regulations on how to write code. Usually a coding standard includes guide lines on how to name variables, how to indent the code, how to place parenthesis and keywords etc. The idea is to be consistent in programming so that, in case of multiple people working on the same code, it becomes easier for one to understand what others have done. Even for individual programmers, and especially for beginners, it becomes very important to adhere to a standard when writing the code. The idea is, when we look at our own code after some time, if we have followed a coding standard, it takes less time to understand or remember what we meant when we wrote some piece of code.

Coding Standards Make a Difference

Look at the following example:

int volume(int i, int j, int k) {
int vol;
vol = i * j * k;
return vol;
}

Looking at this code at a glance, it takes some time for one to understand that this function calculates the volume. However if we adhere to a naming convention for variables and method names, we could make the code more readable.

Here are few sample conventions:

  • use meaningful variable names
  • use verbs in method names
  • use nouns for variables
  • use 4 spaces to indent
  • int calculateVolume(int height, int width, int length) {
    int volume = 0;
    volume = height * width * length;
    return volume;
    }

    It takes more time to type this code, however this saves far more time. This code is far more readable than its original version. With a little bit of effort, we could make the code much more understandable.

    The Benefits

    It is not only the readability that we get through a coding standard in programming. Writing more secure code could also be encouraged through a coding convention. As an example, in C++ we could say that each pointer variable must be initialized to NULL.

    char* myName = NULL;

    This ensures that we would not corrupt memory while using this pointer variable.

    Code readability is just one of the aspects of maintainability. Coding standards help a great deal with program maintainability, our ability to change programs with ease. Consistency imposed through a coding standard is a key factor to achieve success in maintaining prorams.

    Defining Your Own Coding Standard

    A programmer can define his or her own coding convention and adhere to that in writing programms. However there are many coding conventions available on the Internet. Those who program in Java should have a look into http://java.sun.com/docs/codeconv/html/CodeConvTOC.doc.html - Code Conventions for the Java Programming Language by Sun.

    For C++ coding standards, I would recommend that you have a look into http://www.bbc.co.uk/guidelines/webdev/AppB.Cpp_Coding_Standards.htm - C++ Coding Standards from BBC.

    http://oopweb.com/CPP/Documents/CPPHOWTO/Volume/C++Programming-HOWTO-14.html - C++ Programming HOWTO has some C++ Coding Conventions and also a bunch of links that lead to several coding standards that you can pick from.

    John Dirk
    Programming Consultant
    http://www.programminghelp4u.com/
    Programming ( Assignment / Project ) Help

    detailed home cleaning Lake Forest ..
    In The News:

    The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.
    Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.
    Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.
    Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.
    Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.
    NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.
    Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.
    Discover how Apple's passkeys revolutionize Mac security by replacing vulnerable passwords with biometric authentication and encryption for ultimate protection.
    New survey reveals 78% of parents fear AI scams targeting their kids, yet nearly half haven't discussed these threats. Learn why this dangerous gap exists.
    Chrome now autofills passport and driver's license info automatically. Google's latest browser update adds official document support with encryption and user control.
    Scammers impersonate Department of Veterans Affairs employees claiming veterans owe money, but real VA communications only direct to VA.gov or official channels.
    The AltoVolo Sigma hybrid-electric aircraft flies 500 miles at 220 mph while operating 80% quieter than helicopters, featuring safety systems and compact design.
    Google search scam alert: fake customer service numbers can give scammers remote control of your phone. Learn how to spot these traps and protect yourself.
    Electric vehicles overtake gas cars in total CO2 savings after just two years of driving, with emissions benefits growing over time as power grids get cleaner.
    Louvre Museum reportedly used "Louvre" as password for surveillance system during $100M jewel heist. Learn how weak passwords put even famous institutions at risk.
    Bipartisan AI jobs bill from Sens. Hawley and Warner would require companies to report AI-related layoffs and hiring to Department of Labor quarterly.
    Joe A. from Shelton, Connecticut, lost $228,000 to a ZAP Solutions cryptocurrency investment scam after his divorce, highlighting rising online fraud.
    AI-powered autonomous trucks from Waabi and Volvo target U.S. freight driver shortage with Level 4 self-driving technology and NVIDIA computing platform integration.
    Survive flight disruptions with expert travel tips: Book early morning flights, download airline apps and know your refund rights during service cuts.
    Apple's iOS 26.1 update delivers major security fixes, performance boosts and enhanced privacy controls for your iPhone. Discover why updating now protects your data.
    Russian hackers use fake CAPTCHA tests to spread dangerous malware targeting governments and journalists. Learn how to protect yourself from these deceptive attacks.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
    Miami-Dade debuts America's first autonomous police SUV with AI cameras, drone deployment and real-time crime detection in groundbreaking law enforcement pilot.
    Bank impostor scams cost Americans $2.9 billion as criminals use AI voices and caller ID spoofing to steal life savings. Learn nine essential fraud protection tips.
    Foreign-owned apps secretly harvest personal data from seniors, making them prime targets for scams. Learn how to protect your privacy and stop data brokers today.

    Simple Solution for Php Includes - IFrames

    I have recently created my first Php program. I wanted... Read More

    5 Easy File Management Tips in Microsoft Word

    How many steps does it take you to locate and... Read More

    How to Make Own CMS

    Every day millions of new web documents emerge on the... Read More

    Three Steps To Windows Safety Heaven

    Now there are Three Steps To Heaven Just listen and... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains: Customization Upgrade & Recovery ? Visual Studio VB 6.0

    Microsoft Great Plains, former Great Plains Software Dynamics, eEnterprise has... Read More

    How to Evaluate Staffing Software

    If you are in the market for new staffing software,... Read More

    Your Computer May Be Infected, Heres How To Check (NOT about virus)

    NOTE: Please take time to read on - it may... Read More

    The Dreaded Paper Label - Should it be Used?

    While paper labeling CDs and DVDs may appear to be... Read More

    Why Java RDBMS?

    It is a well known fact that Java as a... Read More

    Spyware - The Internet Devil Of Our Times!

    Spyware and Adware infest over 90 percent of computers in... Read More

    The Religion And Philosophy Of Small Internet Business

    I have always had a tendency to focus on the... Read More

    Free Microsoft Word Online Training Tutorial Resources

    Microsoft Word is one of the most popular office applications... Read More

    Free Preventive Maintenance Software

    While several preventive maintenance software manufacturers offer free trials for... Read More

    HelpDesk & Asset Management Software - Choosing The Right One

    If you are to buy a HelpDesk & Asset Management... Read More

    Bill of Lading ? Custom Reporting for Microsoft Great Plains ? Overview for Consultant

    Bill of Lading is required report for Logistics and Freight... Read More

    Industry Experts Answer the One Million-dollar Question - Why Genie Backup Manager?

    Many reasons made GBM a unanimous choice for experts, one... Read More

    Microsoft CRM: Implementation, Customization, Support ? Consultant Overview

    Microsoft Business Solutions CRM is present several years on the... Read More

    Databases ? How We Love to Hate Them!

    You've finally created databases that you can actually use to... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains Accounting/ERP Implementation ? Finance Industry Customization Example

    Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is very generic accounting application... Read More

    Screenshots Vista Windows

    Features Additionally, Vista will include many other new features.Aero Vista... Read More

    Crystal Reports For Microsoft RMS ? Overview For Developer/Report Designer

    If you are software developer or database administrator - we... Read More

    Google Brings the Earth to Your Desktop

    Google Inc. has launched a new software package that allows... Read More

    Professional XP Style Icons in Software and Website Development

    Using professional icons in your application or website can bring... Read More

    Microsoft Great Plains - Microsoft RMS Integration ? overview

    Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft Retail Management System (Microsoft RMS)... Read More

    DB Integration - Software for Combine MS Access Databases

    Our company, Novaprof Inc., developed unique software - DB Integration.... Read More

    trusted cleaning company Des Plaines ..