Ask Slashdot: How Can I Explain To a Coworker That He Writes Bad Code?

An anonymous reader writes "I have a coworker who, despite being very smart, and even very knowledgeable about software, writes the most horrible code imaginable. Entire programs are stuffed into single functions, artificially stretched thanks to relentless repetition; variable and class names so uninformative as to make grown men weep; basic language features ignored, when they could make everything shorter and more readable; and OOP abuse so sick and twisted that it may be considered a war crime. Of course, being a very smart person who has been programming since before I was born makes him fairly impervious to criticism, so even a simple 'Do you see how much better this function is when written this way?' is hopeless. How can I make him see the light, realize the truth, and be able to tell good code from bad?"

Comments

Re:You don't

[Glendale2x]

Unless he's making your own job a lot harder or you're his boss (or project manager), it's not your place. Your "help" will likely only piss him off more and more and cause problems in the office. Not only will it in *no way* benefit you, but it will very likely *hurt* you and your career--since your manager will come to view you as a source of headaches, your co-worker(s) will view you as a pretentious little prick, and (contrary to popular belief) the guy who helps produce better overall product is almost never rewarded for it anyway. About the fastest way for anyone to piss off their co-workers and bosses is to walk around with a "I'm the best coder here" attitude all day, whether it's true or not. Don't do it.

So, STFU and let management deal with him (or not). That's what they're paid for, not you. Don't offer *any* unsolicited criticism, and even if solicited, offer only a few minor criticisms at a time.

In short: Lighten up, Francis.

If I could I'd mod this straight to the top.