Clean Code for Managers: Robert C. Martin, a.k.a. Uncle Bob
Apr 22, 2020
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In this engaging discussion, Robert C. Martin, known as Uncle Bob, shares insights from his 50 years in software engineering. He emphasizes the importance of clean code as a foundation for quality software and team morale. Uncle Bob discusses metrics for assessing code quality and the severe consequences of neglecting it. He provides managerial tips on fostering a culture of clean coding and stresses the significance of honest communication with clients. Prepare to hear how the right mindset can save time and money while enhancing productivity!
Clean code facilitates faster and more efficient programming, allowing developers to meet deadlines while maintaining productivity and quality.
Managers must cultivate a culture of clean coding by establishing high standards and using metrics to evaluate code quality and developer morale.
Deep dives
The Definition and Importance of Clean Code
Clean code is defined as code that appears to be written by someone who genuinely cares about their work. This notion emphasizes that clean code is essential for achieving fast and efficient programming, as it enables developers to maintain productivity and meet deadlines effectively. The speaker stresses that having a clean coding environment is akin to maintaining a clean workspace, which ultimately drives speed and quality in development. By fostering an attitude of pride in workmanship, programmers are encouraged to invest the necessary effort to write code that not only works but is also easy to understand and manage.
Characteristics of Clean Code
One of the primary characteristics of clean code is the size of its functions, with a recommendation to keep them short, ideally no more than a few lines long. This approach helps in achieving clearer structure and improved readability, where larger functions can lead to complexity and difficulty in understanding code logic. The act of naming small functions properly aids in creating meaningful context, making the code almost read like natural language. In practice, this results in better organized code, enhancing collaboration and reducing the inherent mess that can slow down development.
Building a Culture of Clean Code
Managers play a pivotal role in establishing a culture where clean code is a priority, creating expectations for high-quality work among developers. This includes onboarding new team members with a clear understanding of clean code principles and fostering an environment of discipline and accountability. Managers should focus on metrics such as bug discovery rates to assess code quality, as well as maintain morale and encourage pride in workmanship among developers. Ultimately, the commitment to writing clean code must be regarded as a shared responsibility, ensuring every team member understands the significance of maintaining high standards for the benefit of the entire team's performance.
Clean code is the most essential part of building great software with your team. In this interview Uncle Bob shares half a century worth of experience and practical tips about measuring code quality, leading your team, having them write clean code, and selling clean code standards to impatient clients.
In this interview we're covering:
Definition of clean code
Metrics of clean code
Consequences of bad code
Tips for engineering managers
Communication tips
On-boarding to clean code
Scaling with clean code
Clean code vs deadlines
And more!
Excerpt from the interview:
"The underlying theme is that if you want to go fast, meet schedules, and keep your customers and your managers happy, keep your code as clean as possible. Nothing will make you work faster than keeping your workspace clean.
One of the most important things a developer can say to a manager is the word no. You must be able to look your manager in the eye with all the empathy and sympathy you can muster, and say, “The answer is no.” You will save a lot of money if you say no at the right time.
Never promise to do something you know you can't do. They will believe you, bet a lot on your ability to do it, and you will let them down."