The quick code controversy: Why it's time to re-examine the quick vs. clean code debate

The quick code controversy: Why it's time to re-examine the quick vs. clean code debate

Understanding what strategy to follow based on the context.

As developers, we often find ourselves faced with the dilemma of choosing between writing quick code or taking the time to write clean, maintainable code. This decision can be especially tricky when it comes to one-off scripts, prototypes, or internal tools that may not have a long lifespan. On the one hand, we want to get the job done as efficiently as possible. On the other hand, we don't want to create a mess that will be difficult to maintain or understand in the future.

In this article, we will explore the trade-offs between quick code and good code in different contexts, and provide strategies for striking the right balance. We'll cover topics such as prototyping, production code, libraries, and standalone scripts, and provide examples of when to prioritize speed, readability, testability, and other important considerations.
 
Whether you're writing code for a short-term project or building something that will be used for years to come, this article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for writing good code in any context.

I. Prototyping code

Prototyping code is an essential tool for developers, allowing them to quickly test and validate ideas before committing to a full implementation. When writing prototyping code, it's important to prioritize speed and flexibility over maintainability and robustness.
Strategy

• Focus on speed - Prototyping code is typically written quickly, so it's important to prioritize speed over perfection. Don't worry too much about code quality or architecture - the goal is to get something working as quickly as possible.
• Keep it simple and flexible - Prototyping code is often used to explore different approaches to a problem, so it's important to keep your code flexible and open to change. This means avoiding rigid or complex architectures and focusing on simplicity.
• Don't worry too much about testing - While testing is important, it's not a top priority when it comes to prototyping code. You should still perform some basic testing to ensure your code is working as expected, but don't spend too much time on it.

II. Production code

When it comes to production code, the focus shifts from speed and flexibility to reliability, maintainability, and robustness. Production code is the code that powers your applications and services, so it's important to make sure it is of high quality and can handle the demands of a production environment.
Strategy

• Make it reliable - Production code needs to be reliable, with minimal downtime and minimal errors. This includes thorough testing, error handling, and performance optimization to ensure the code is stable and can handle a high volume of requests.
• Make it maintainable - Production code needs to be easy to maintain, with clear and concise code, well-documented functions and modules, and a consistent coding style. This helps other developers understand and work with the code, and makes it easier to update and improve over time.
• Make it scalable - Production code needs to be scalable, with the ability to handle a high volume of requests and a large number of users. This includes optimization techniques, such as caching and load balancing, to ensure the code can handle the demands of a live environment.

III. Libraries

When it comes to writing code for libraries, the focus is on maintainability, readability, and usability. Libraries are reusable pieces of code that are used by other developers in their own projects, so it's important to make sure they are easy to understand and use.
Strategy

• Make it reliable - Libraries code needs to be reliable, with minimal downtime and minimal errors. This includes thorough testing, error handling, and performance optimization to ensure the code is stable and can be used in a variety of different projects.
• Document it well - Libraries code needs to be well-documented, with clear and concise documentation that explains how to use the code and any specific requirements or dependencies. This helps other developers understand and use the code, and makes it easier to integrate into their projects.
• Make it easy to use - Libraries code needs to be easy to use, with a clear and intuitive interface that makes it easy for other developers to incorporate into their projects. This includes providing clear and concise documentation and examples, and ensuring the code is well-structured and easy to understand.

IV. Standalone Script

Standalone scripts are a type of code that is written to perform a specific task or set of tasks on demand, and are typically designed to be run once or a few times, rather than being continuously executed. These scripts are often used in a variety of contexts, such as automating data processing or generating reports. When writing a standalone script, it's important to consider the following guidelines to ensure it is efficient, reliable, and easy to use.
Strategy

• Keep it simple and flexible - Standalone scripts should be simple as they are usually meant to be run quickly and accomplish a specific task. Keeping the code clean and easy to understand will make it easier to maintain and modify in the future. It's also important to consider the potential future use cases for the script, and to design it in a way that allows for easy modification or expansion.
• Document it -  Standalone scripts should be well-documented, with clear comments explaining how the code works and why certain design decisions were made. This helps other developers understand and use the code, if needed.
• Make it easy to run - Standalone scripts should be easy to run, with clear instructions and minimal setup requirements. This includes automated installation scripts and clear documentation.

TDLR

It is essential to consider the purpose and context of the code being written in order to effectively balance the trade-off between quick and good code. By carefully considering the specific goals of the code, developers can create efficient and reliable solutions that meet the needs of their project.
For prototyping code, it's important to prioritize exploration and learning, rather than creating production-ready solutions.

• Production code should be stable and scalable to handle the demands of a production environment.
• Library code should be reusable and reliable, and easily integrable into other projects.
• Standalone scripts should be simple, flexible, and easy to use, and should be designed to accomplish a specific task.