Every codebase is a novel and commits are fan fictions

Setting up a repository for a new project is an exciting moment for a developer. However, after the initial excitement, it can feel like a chore to maintain the repository and review code. Nevertheless, these tasks are essential for keeping the project development moving forward. Most projects require a collaborative effort, and with a diverse set of developers working on a project simultaneously, it is crucial to maintain the code base’s consistency in style and structure. It is advisable to agree on a common guideline and stick to it, even if it doesn’t exactly match everyone’s preference. The key here is consistency, not absolute perfection.

When creating a new repository, there are several tools and configurations to keep in mind to make you every future commits follows a common guideline:

Linters

Code linters are tools that verify that the code adheres to the team leads' defined practices and styling. They also help in identifying potential bugs or errors by performing a static analysis of the code.

Code Formatter

Language-agnostic tools can enforce editor configurations to ensure that the look and feel of the code is consistent across files. Developers can configure the tool to make sure basic editor etiquettes are being followed, such as indentation, line endings, and string quotes.

Ignore Files

These are directives that filter out files while performing a specific action. For example, .gitignore keeps unwanted files from landing in your git commit. .dockerignore ensures that only relevant files are copied to your container. There are tool-specific ignore files that limit the scope of tools to a group of files.

IDE Configuration & Plugins

Even if you use notepad++ or vim, you can add plugins and configurations to make sure the syntax is highlighted correctly, code navigation is smooth, and key binding is to your liking.

Hooks

Pre-commit and post-commit actions can be executed to ensure that the user has not skipped anything and that only qualified code lands in your repository.

To ensure consistency and avoid confusion, every code repository should have a unique voice that reflects the team’s shared style and guidelines. Just like a good novel, readable code is a pleasure to revisit and easy to understand, even after a long absence. By prioritizing style guides and utilizing the right tools, developers can improve their workflows and achieve better results. Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your next coding project, and enjoy the journey to success