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Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Programming Style
2.1.
Clarity and Simplicity of Expression
2.2.
Naming Conventions
2.3.
Control Constructions
2.4.
Information Hiding
2.5.
Nesting
2.6.
User-defined Data Types
2.7.
Module Size
2.8.
Module Interface
2.9.
Side-effects
3.
Programming Tools
3.1.
Eclipse
3.2.
Dreamweaver
3.3.
Junit
4.
FAQs
5.
Key Takeaways 
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Programming Styles and Tools

Author Pankhuri Goel
0 upvote

Introduction

A collection of conventions or guidelines used when developing the source code for a computer program is known as programming style. Following a specific programming style is frequently stated to make it easier for programmers to read and understand source code that adheres to the style and avoid introducing errors. Coding style guides are an integral aspect of professional coding. 

A programming tool is any software program or utility that aids software developers or programmers in designing, editing, debugging, maintaining, and/or performing any programming or development-specific activity.

Also read about  V Model in Software Engineering

Programming Style

The technique applied in writing the source code for a computer program is known as programming style. The majority of programming styles are created to aid programmers in swiftly reading and comprehending the code and avoiding errors. (Older programming approaches also prioritized screen space conservation.) A good coding style can overcome a first programming language's numerous flaws, but a lousy style can undermine an exceptional language's aim.

The purpose of a good programming style is to write code that is easy to understand, clear, and elegant. The coding standards or code conventions of a firm or other computing organization, as well as the preferences of the actual programmer, may influence the programming style utilized in a given program.
 

There are some general rules and guidelines that are to be followed. These are described as below:

Clarity and Simplicity of Expression

The programs should be created so that the program's objectives are transparent. 

In order to create programs that are easy to read and maintain, efficient and effective indentation is required. 

The code should be well-commented so that it is easy to understand. The code is made more understandable by adding comments to the statements. Inline comments examine the subroutine's operation, or essential components of the algorithm should be applied frequently.

Naming Conventions

In a program, one must name the module, processes, variables, and other elements. It's important to avoid using cryptic and non-representative naming styles.

For example:

Instead of writing area_of_circle = pi * radius_of_circle * radius_of_circle we can write area = pi * r * r

We can use a naming convention where the constants are named in all capitalized letters(CONSTANT), the local variables are small letters(local_variables), and the global variables and functions are written using camelCase convention(globalVariables). 

Control Constructions

As much as practicable, single entrance and single exit constructs should be used. 

Information Hiding

Wherever possible, the data structures' safe information should be hidden from the rest of the system. Information hiding can reduce module coupling and make the system easier to manage.

Information hiding concerns make non-essential aspects of functions and code in a program inaccessible to other software components. A software developer uses information hiding in software design and coding to hide redundant details from the rest of the program. 

Nesting

A program's static and dynamic behaviour is substantially harmed by the deep nesting of loops and conditions. Deep nesting makes it harder to grasp the program logic; thus, it's best to avoid it.

User-defined Data Types

Use of user-defined data types such as enum, class, structure, and union should be done extensively. These data types make it simple to write and understand program code.

Data elements of the same or different types are stored in user-defined data types. This allows the programmer additional flexibility in storing different data kinds in a single variable, depending on their needs and requirements.

These data types can be reused across multiple definitions once specified, saving time in the development process.

Module Size

Each module should be the same size. The module's size should not be excessively large or small. It is often not functionally coherent if the module size is too large. Unnecessary overheads result from a module size that is too small.

Module Interface

A module having a complicated interface should be scrutinized carefully. 

Side-effects

When a module is called, it may have the unintended consequence of changing the program's state. If at all feasible, such adverse effects should be avoided.

Click on the following link to read further: Features of C Language

Programming Tools

Several coding tools are used in conjunction with the programming language when producing software code to make the work of writing software code easier. Coding tools differ from one programming language to another since they are built for a specific programming language. However, a single coding tool can sometimes be utilized in multiple programming languages. Text editors, supporting tools for a particular programming language, and the infrastructure necessary to run the software code are all examples of coding tools.

They are often standalone tools that perform or support a specific activity at any point during the development/programming process. A debugger, for instance, is a programming tool that aids programmers in discovering and addressing bugs in a program's source code. Programming tools comprise compilers, linkers, assemblers, disassemblers, load testers, performance analysts, GUI development tools, and code editors.

 

Some programming tools are discussed below:

Eclipse

Eclipse is an integrated development environment (IDE) for Java and other programming languages like C, C++, PHP, and Ruby. Eclipse's development environment comprises, among other things, Eclipse Java development tools (JDT) for Java, Eclipse CDT for C/C++, and Eclipse PDT for PHP.

The Eclipse IDE is one of the most powerful integrated development environments (IDEs) that has ever been created. In most current IT setups, this well-designed, sturdy, and feature-rich IDE is in use.

Dreamweaver

Adobe Dreamweaver is a website construction program that lets you create and publish web pages practically anywhere using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages. Web designers of all levels, from beginners to experts, can benefit from Dreamweaver. It works on both macOS and Windows platforms. 

Junit

JUnit is a unit testing framework for the Java programming language. JUnit is one of a family of unit testing frameworks known as xUnit that originated with JUnit. It has played a significant role in the development of test-driven development. 

Also see, Software Engineering

FAQs

  1. What is the camelCase naming convention?
    In camelCase naming convention, a name is made up of many words that are combined together as a single word, with the first letter of each of the multiple words capitalized to make each word easy to read. For example, minimumSpanningTree.
     
  2. What are IDEs? Give some examples.
    An integrated development environment (IDE) is software that combines standard developer tools into a single graphical user interface (GUI) to develop applications. Source code editor, local build automation, and a debugger are typical components of an IDE. Eclipse, Atom, and Microsoft Visual Studio are some examples of IDE. 
     
  3. What are some of the advantages of coding guidelines?
    Some of the advantages of programming guidelines are as follows: 
  • Coding rules improve the software's efficiency while also lowering development time.
  • Coding rules aid in the early detection of problems, lowering the extra costs spent by the software project.
  • When coding rules are followed correctly, the software code becomes more readable and understandable, reducing the code's complexity.

Key Takeaways 

In this article, we learned about programming styles and tools. We also infer from this article how vital these guidelines and tools are for efficient and effective programming.

We hope this article has helped you enhance your knowledge of various programming styles and tools. If you want to learn more, check out our articles on Programming Fundamentals and Competitive Programming. Do upvote this article to help other ninjas grow.

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