computer science

Self-documenting code

Self-documenting code is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Self-documenting code rather than just read about it. In short: In computer programming, self-documenting (or self-describing) source code and user interfaces follow naming conventions and structured programming conventions that enable use of the system without prior specific knowledge. Objectives Commonly stated objectives for self-documenting systems include: Make source code easier to read and understand Minimize the effort required to maintain or extend legacy systems Reduce…

Key takeaways

Self-documenting code belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Self-documenting code to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Self-documenting code from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

In computer programming, self-documenting (or self-describing) source code and user interfaces follow naming conventions and structured programming conventions that enable use of the system without prior specific knowledge.

Objectives Commonly stated objectives for self-documenting systems include:

Make source code easier to read and understand Minimize the effort required to maintain or extend legacy systems Reduce the need for users and developers of a system to consult secondary documentation sources such as code comments or software manuals Facilitate automation through self-contained knowledge representation

Conventions Self-documenting code is ostensibly written using human-readable names, typically consisting of a phrase in a human language which reflects the symbol's meaning, such as article.numberOfWords or TryOpen. The code must also have a clear and clean structure so that a human reader can easily understand the algorithm used.

Practical considerations There are certain practical considerations that influence whether and how well the objectives for a self-documenting system can be realized.

uniformity of naming conventions consistency scope of the application and system requirements

Examples Below is a very simple example of self-documenting C code, using naming conventions in place of explicit comments to make the logic of the code more obvious to human readers.

Criticism Jef Raskin criticized the belief in "self-documenting" code by saying that code cannot explain the rationale behind why the program is being written or why it is implemented in such a way.

See also Autological word Code readability Comment (computer programming) Controlled natural language Literate programming Natural language programming

References

Further reading McConnell, Steve. "High Quality Routines checklist". Code Complete.

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Self-documenting code

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Self-documenting code claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Self-documenting code before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Self-documenting code ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Self-documenting code

In research: Self-documenting code appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Self-documenting code in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Self-documenting code is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Computer programming, Programming language topic stubs, Software documentation, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Self-documenting code outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Self-documenting code in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Self-documenting code means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Self-documenting code out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Self-documenting code in simple terms?

Why does Self-documenting code matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Self-documenting code?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Self-documenting code.