Progamming – YAGNI

Notes from Code Complete 2: Chapter 10

Initialize each variable as it’s declared (10.3)
Declare and define each variable close to where it’s first used (10.3)
Initialize working memory at the beginning of your program
Use the compiler setting that automatically initializes all variables
Initialize a class’s member data in its constructor
Pay special attention to counters and accumulators – ensure that they are initialized properly and, if necessary, reinitialized each time they are used
Check the need for reinitialization
Check that variables are reinitialized properly in code that’s executed repeatedly
Initialize named constants once; initialize variables with executable code
Check input parameters for validity
Use a memory-access checker to check for bad pointers
Don’t assign a value to a variable until just before the value is used
Use final or const when possible
Use named constants (avoid magic numbers)
Strike a conscious balance between the flexibility of late binding and the increased complexity associated with late binding

Ensure that variables have the smallest scope possible
Develop the habit of declaring and initializing all data right before it’s used
Localize References to Variables
Keep Variables “Live” for as Short a Time as Possible
Initialize variables used in a loop immediately before the loop rather than back at the beginning of the routine containing the loop
Group related statements
Break groups of related statements into separate routines
Begin with most restricted visibility, and expand the variable’s scope only if necessary

Category: Progamming