Ask Slashdot: What Makes Some Code Particularly Good?

itwbennett writes: When developers talk about what makes some source code particularly 'good,' a handful of qualities tend to get mentioned frequently (functional, readable, testable). What would you add to this list?

Comments

Define "Good"

[mykepredko]

This type of article comes up continuously on /. and without some concrete defining attribute asking what model/version/etc. of "X" is "Good" is going to turn into a poll.

I would consider "Good" code to have the following attributes:
1. Runs under all operating systems and platforms
2. Source code is readable (note, this does not mean "Well Commented")
3. Takes up the minimum amount of space
4. Operations execute either apparently instantaneously or provides a progress bar for the user
5. Installs quickly
6. It's operation is intuitive
7. Does not share user information
8. Supports many/all user languages
9. Does not have extreme licensing conditions
10. Is free
11. Source code available

If I thought about it for another five minutes, I could probably double this list.

And, it's *my* list of what I would look for in "Good" software, I suspect for anybody else here, YMMV.

myke

Re:a few heuristics

[avandesande]

Good code is boring and bland, lacking excitement and surprises.... and mostly goes unnoticed.