The software development community is actively discussing a fascinating debate between two influential figures in software design: Robert Uncle Bob Martin, author of Clean Code, and John Ousterhout, author of A Philosophy of Software Design. Their discussion has ignited substantial commentary about fundamental approaches to software development and best practices.
The Dogma Dilemma
One of the most prominent discussion points centers around the perceived rigidity of Clean Code's principles. Many developers express concern about the dogmatic application of rules, particularly regarding function length and commenting practices. The community highlights how strict adherence to principles like functions should be 2-4 lines long can lead to what some developers call lasagna code - multiple thin layers of abstraction that complicate rather than clarify the codebase.
For me, the fundamental goal of software design is to make it easy to understand and modify the system. I use the term 'complexity' to refer to the things that make it hard to understand and modify a system.
Key Points of Contention:
- Function length (Clean Code: 2-4 lines vs. contextual approach)
- Comment usage (minimal vs. purposeful documentation)
- Abstraction principles (rigid rules vs. complexity ratio measurement)
- Development approach (prescriptive vs. evidence-based)
The Role of Comments
A significant point of contention revolves around the treatment of code comments. While Clean Code advocates for self-documenting code with minimal comments, many developers argue for the essential role of comments in explaining the why behind code decisions, especially when dealing with external systems, hardware interfaces, or counterintuitive processes. The community particularly emphasizes the value of comments in documenting workarounds, timing requirements, and system-specific behaviors that cannot be effectively conveyed through method names alone.
Evidence-Based Approach
Ousterhout's A Philosophy of Software Design has gained particular attention for its more evidence-based approach to software design principles. The book introduces the concept of measuring abstraction quality through the ratio of complexity contained versus interface complexity. This practical heuristic has resonated with many developers who find it provides a more flexible and pragmatic framework for making design decisions.
The Evolution of Developer Thinking
An interesting pattern emerges from the discussion: many developers describe a journey from initially embracing Clean Code's strict guidelines to eventually adopting a more nuanced, context-aware approach to software design. This evolution typically takes about five years, suggesting that while prescriptive rules may benefit beginners, experienced developers tend to favor more flexible, situation-dependent solutions.
In conclusion, while both books have contributed significantly to software design thinking, the community increasingly advocates for a balanced approach that considers context, practicality, and the specific needs of each project rather than adhering to rigid rules. This debate highlights the ongoing evolution of software design principles and the importance of maintaining pragmatic flexibility in development practices.
Reference: Introductions