Poetry, Essays, and Code That Lets you Get on with Your Day

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2021-07-17 17:30:03

If you’re writing hobby code that only you will read and not maintain, write code like poetry. Make magical, whimsical, and fun. Make it clever. Write what flows out of you.

If you’re writing code that others will read and maintain (and as a hint, “future you” is generally an other), write code like an essay. Don’t make it clever or artistic. Make it simple, clear, and easy to read and understand.

It will be read far more often than it was written, and the person reading it probably won’t be looking to enjoy your “art”. They’ll just want to know what the hell is going on so they can get on with their day.