When we code, we like shortcuts. We use keystrokes that combine two or more actions. We like it when we can do two things at once. It feels productive (and maybe because most of the time it is.)
However, there are cases where we need to avoid shortcuts. In the realm of engineering and design, simple is better. But sometimes, adding a bit of complexity and length to our usual process can pay off in the long run.
- “I’ll just call it tmp1. No one’s going to care.”
- “This function is tiny. I’ll remember what it does later.”
- “Comments? Nah. Who reads them anyway?”
You’re thinking this as you type at 2 a.m.
It looks fine. It compiles fine. It ships fine. What could possibly go wrong?
Six months later, you open that same file and can’t figure out what you wrote. Variables named tmp1, val2, and calcStuff stare back at you. What do the numbers mean!?
You thought it was obvious. Hours are lost untangling what should have been clear from day one.
Studies show developers spend 58% to 70% of their time just understanding code. This illustrates the importance of readable code.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how unreadable code costs you more time and resources in the long run and how clean code practices but not necessarily short code can improve readability in C++ projects.
Table of Contents
What Is a Readable Code, and Why Does It Matter?
Readable code is code where the intent is clear. You should be able to look at a function or variable and immediately understand what it does or what it represents. It doesn’t affect how the code runs, but writing code this way is a core engineering skill because it directly affects how efficiently you (as the developer) and others can work with it later.
The creator of Python, Guido van Rossum, said:
“Code is read more often than it is written.”
So yeah, if you’re a developer, you’re going to spend far more time reading code than writing it.
READ: How much time do you save with Visual Assist
Why Developers Skip Readability (And Regret It Later)
They say, “Haste makes waste,” and developers know this better than anyone. Taking shortcuts can sometimes go against writing readable code. It might save a few minutes now, but it usually costs hours later.
- Racing against deadlines makes writing readable code feel optional
- Thinking “I know what this does” leads to unclear names and messy logic
- Assuming “I’ll remember this later” turns simple functions into puzzles
- Premature optimization sacrifices clarity and hurts code maintainability
Why Is Readable Code Harder and More Important in C++?
C++ is powerful, but that power brings responsibility. Writing readable C++ code is harder than in other languages because small choices can make code confusing for future readers.
Let’s see how:
Language Complexity
C++ supports multiple structures (like procedural, object-oriented, etc.) without enforcing one. Many valid ways to solve the same problem exist, but unclear choices increase technical debt and reduce code maintainability.
Templates, Macros, and Pointers
Templates, macros, and pointers hide intent and add layers of indirection. Misused macros or complex templates make understanding code time-consuming.
Performance vs. Clarity
Early optimization often creates clever but unreadable code. Dense logic slows developer productivity and makes future changes risky.
Long-Lived C++ Systems
In long-lived projects, unclear code is expensive, and legacy code maintenance is slow. Refactoring messy code increases technical debt and risks introducing bugs. That’s why readable C++ code outlives clever shortcuts when maintaining complex systems.
Readable vs. Unreadable C++ Code: Real Examples
Let’s see how different readable C++ code and unreadable code can be through practical examples:
Example 1: Poor Naming & Dense Logic
| Unreadable Version | Readable Version |
| int f(int a, int b) { if (a > b) return a – b; return b – a; } Note: This function works, but good luck remembering what f, a, or b means a few months later. It’s dense and unclear. | int calculateAbsoluteDifference(int firstValue, int secondValue) { return std::abs(firstValue – secondValue); } Note: The intent is obvious from the name. Anyone reading it immediately understands what it does. |
Example 2: Over-Optimized, Under-Readable Code
| Unreadable Version | Readable Version |
| for(int i=0;i<n;i++)if(arr[i]>m)x+=arr[i]-m; Note: It’s clever, but at a glance, it’s hard to tell what’s happening. | for (int value: values) { if (value > maxAllowed) { excessTotal += value – maxAllowed; } } Note: Breaking the loop into clear steps with descriptive names makes it much easier to read and maintain. |
What’s the Real Cost of Unreadable Code?
Atlassian’s recent research shows that 81% of developers still see code readability as crucial. Below, we break down the real ways unreadable code costs you.
1. Lost Developer Time and Productivity
Time spent reading, tracing logic, and rebuilding context in your head kills your productivity. Developers spend around four hours per week untangling bad code, according to Stripe’s Developer Coefficient report.
2. Bugs Introduced Through Misunderstanding
Most bugs come from changes made with partial context or wrong assumptions. Low code readability means even small edits can trigger unexpected problems that no one anticipated.
3. Risky Changes and Fragile Systems
When systems feel fragile, teams start tiptoeing and creating “don’t touch it” code. Shortcuts and quick fixes creep in when the code is hard to read. Every future change starts to feel risky.
4. Slower Onboarding and Knowledge Silos
New developers fail to understand confusing code and rely on others for answers. The 2024 Stack Overflow report found 30% of developers say knowledge silos hurt their productivity ten or more times per week.
5. Technical Debt That Compounds Over Time
Every unclear decision adds interest. What should be simple refactoring code becomes harder with each release. McKinsey estimates that technical debt accounts for 20% to 40% of an organization’s total technology estate.
Practical C++ Fundamentals for Writing Readable Code
Before diving into the fundamentals, it’s worth following readable code practices by GitHub to set a strong baseline for naming, structure, and maintainability.
Readable C++ code checklist for developers
1. Descriptive, Intent-Revealing Names
If a name needs a comment to be understood, it isn’t doing its job. The Art of Readable Code emphasizes packing information into names that can’t be misconstrued.
2. Keep Functions Small and Focused
Each function should do one thing clearly, ideally under 20 lines. NASA’s Power of 10 Rule #4 mandates functions under 60 lines to ensure verifiability in safety-critical systems.
3. Clear Control Flow Over Clever Logic
Readable conditionals beat dense expressions. Use explicit checks like if (age >= 18) instead of convoluted ternary chains or nested negations.
4. Avoid Premature Optimization
Write straightforward loops first. Optimize later. Early optimization sacrifices clarity for gains that rarely materialize, fueling technical debt.
5. Make Ownership and Lifetimes Explicit
Mark constants with constexpr. Explicit ownership prevents accidents and signals immutability.
6. Reduce Unnecessary Indirection
Favor direct containers like std::vector<User> over complex callback chains. Limit lambdas to simple cases.
7. Limit Template and Macro Complexity
The Google C++ Style Guide limits templates to simple, readable cases unless essential. Overuse of templates and macros can obscure intent, but leveraging pattern matching in C++ can simplify complex logic while keeping code readable.
8. Write Self-Documenting Code First
Organize with clear types like struct User { std::string name; int age; }. Structure and naming communicate intent before comments, aligning with high code quality.
9. Comment on the Why, Not the What
Skip obvious comments like // Loop through users. Add clarifying ones like // Cap retries at 3 to avoid infinite loops under network failure.
10. Follow Consistent Formatting and Style
Use clang-format, 4-space indents, and braces on new lines. Consistency reduces cognitive load, allowing you to scan code faster.
11. Handle Errors with Predictable Clarity
Use std::expected (C++23) or clear error handling. Avoid silent failures or hidden exceptions. Explicit modes cut regressions caused by partial context.
Conclusion
Writing code with a clear intent saves time, reduces bugs, and makes future changes manageable. If you’re thinking about tools to help maintain clean and readable code, a few can make the process smoother:
- IDE assistance for faster navigation and understanding of complex code
- Refactoring support to rename, restructure, or reorganize code safely
- Visual Assist to improve code comprehension and navigation within Visual Studio
Focus on mastering the fundamentals first, then let the tools support you in keeping your C++ code readable and maintainable.
FAQs
1. Why Is Readable Code Important?
In addition to saving time, readable code reduces bugs, lowers maintenance costs, and makes future changes safer and faster.
2. Isn’t Performance More Important Than Readability in C++?
Performance matters, but unreadable code often leads to incorrect optimizations and fragile systems. Clear code makes it easier to spot real performance bottlenecks without introducing errors.
3. What Makes C++ Code Hard to Read?
Complex syntax, templates, macros, and poor naming choices make C++ code hard to read.
4. How Can I Improve Code Readability Without Slowing Development?
Clear naming, small functions, and consistent structure often save time rather than costing it. These practices reduce debugging and refactoring effort over the life of the project.
5. Does Readable Code Really Reduce Technical Debt?
Yes. Readable code is easier to understand, modify, and test, which lowers errors and long-term maintenance costs, directly reducing technical debt.
Struggling with unreadable, spaghetti-like code?