Programming is a vast field. And in its evergreen and ever-evolving landscape, Python has always stood out. And that is because of its excellent code readability. More and more businesses today opt to hire remote Python developers as the demand for clean code is sky-high.
Writing clean codes is efficient as well as easy to maintain and scale. It is also bug-free, which makes it one of the most popular choices for developers today. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best practices for Python developers. So let’s dive right in!
Why Clean Code Matters in Python
Readability is at the root of Python, unlike many other programming languages. It was first created to solely meet the need for clean, readable code. Hence, writing clean code in Python is not about having best practices in place. It’s in the foundation of Python.
That’s what is at its core. A clean code is easy to debug, edit, and scale up. As the project progresses and more developers join readable codes become more vital. Due to clean and readable codes, they can understand, review, and contribute to the project seamlessly.
When companies look to hire Python developers, they are looking for someone who understands their vision. Someone who understands the importance of writing code and can work in a team.
Best Practices for Writing Clean Python Code
Follow the PEP 8 Style Guide:
Python primarily adheres to PEP 8 as its style guide. It includes topics like indentation, variable naming conventions, and line length. Developers adhere to it to ensure that the code remains readable and consistent. They try to make sure that it matches the Python community standards.
Use Descriptive Variable and Function Names:
Do not go for random or vague names like ‘data’ or ‘x’. Rather go for more descriptive names like ‘ user_age’ or ‘fetch_data_from_database()’. This way, the code becomes self-explanatory. It reduces the need for too many comments.
Limit Line Length:
The maximum line length is of 79 characters as suggested by the PEP 8. But the developer should ensure that the lines aren’t too long. Having long lines can make it difficult to read and interpret. Break the line if it seems too long or try refactoring the code.
Avoid Using Global Variables:
Global variables often create issues while developers try to debug the code. Rather pass variables as function arguments or use class properties.
Use Comments Sparingly:
Comments of course help the developer working on the project. However, an excess of them can make the code cluttered.
Don’t think about what a particular code does. Instead, think about why it is that. If it’s taking you too many lines to explain the code, maybe you should consider refactoring.
Error Handling:
Use try-except blocks to manage the exceptions smoothly. Avoid letting your program crash when you see an error. This enhances the user’s experience and also facilitates debugging.
Stay DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself):
If you find the need to write the same code in several places, try to create a function to avoid repetition. This helps minimize the chances of errors and is also easier to maintain.
Regularly Refactor Your Code:
Codes can grow messy or inefficient with time. Hence, reviewing and refactoring it regularly can enhance its efficiency and readability.
Write Unit Tests:
Writing unit tests will help make sure that individual parts of your code work properly. They are pivotal for detecting bugs early. They also ensure the changes don’t cause any new issues in the code.
Stay Updated:
The community of Python developers is quite dynamic. A developer has to stay updated with the latest best practices and tools. They need to be able to write more efficient and cleaner code.
The Role of Code Reviews
The key to ensuring great code quality is to have regular code reviews done. Due to regular reviews, catching bugs at an early stage is easier. When a developer is aware that their code will be reviewed, they’re more likely to write clean and efficient code in the first go.
Moreover, this fosters an environment of healthy collaboration. When companies hire Python developers, if they create this culture of regular code reviews, it will improve the quality of the code.
Tools to Aid Clean Code in Python
There are ample tools available for Python developers to maintain code quality. Some tools like flake8 or pylint, can test the code for style guidelines and spot potential errors. While the black formatter can automatically format the code and ensure consistency.
Businesses can ensure clean code that adheres to best practices by having these tools integrated into the development.
Conclusion
Python projects are all about clean and readable code. As the demand to hire Python developers grows, code quality is becoming paramount. Adhering to the best practices and tools is crucial to keep the code clean.
When it’s all done right, the code also remains easy to maintain and efficient. And that’s evidence of effective collaboration of web developers.
