At some point during their professional journey, programmers commonly encounter a renowned work called "Clean Code" written by Robert Martin. They delve into its contents, diligently applying the principles and persuading their colleagues to do the same. This may lead to discussions and occasional disagreements, yet eventually they realize that different individuals have their own coding styles, which is perfectly acceptable. They understand the importance of respecting others rather than enforcing rigid guidelines, valuing kindness over strict adherence.
The notion of "clean code" becomes a phase experienced by most programmers, akin to adolescence, driven by the quest for a singular, definitive path. However, as time progresses, they often come to realize that these principles alone hold limited significance, and prioritizing the delivery of functional software takes precedence.
Nevertheless, this does not render Clean Code irrelevant. It instills in us the habit of contemplating our coding craftsmanship and continuously exploring better approaches. Personally, I have internalized some of the principles and patterns from the book, enjoying revisiting its chapters. Perhaps there will come a time in my programming journey when I rediscover Clean Code and perceive it as the true path once again.