Mastering Code Simplicity: Why Deep Functions Like JSON.parse() Make Programming Easier

Instead of useless debates about functions length, we should focus on creating functions that are simple to use and understand by hiding maximum complexity behind the simplest interface possible.

A deep function isn’t necessarily a short or simple function. Instead, it’s one that handles as much complexity as possible through a clean, minimal interface. This isn’t about whether your function is a single, large chunk or broken into multiple pieces—it’s about creating a function that simplifies the job for everyone using it.

JSON.parse() is a perfect example. Its interface is straightforward: you pass a JSON string, and it returns a parsed object. But behind the scenes, it’s doing some heavy lifting:

Imagine if, instead of one JSON.parse() function, we had to call multiple smaller functions for each of these tasks. The simplicity of JSON.parse()’s interface allows it to be incredibly powerful and efficient for users.

When writing functions that others will use, prioritize a clean, simple interface while managing huge complexity. This lets other developers do more with less effort.

Leave a Comment