What’s the Best Way to Order Code in Python?

Always start with imports. After that, do what feels logical. As long as your code is organized and doesn't feel random, you're probably in good shape. Just remember that many developers today jump around using IDE features instead of reading linearly, so don't stress too much about the perfect order.

Honestly, the most important thing is to grasp clean code principles. There's a great book titled 'Clean Code' that offers invaluable guidance on structuring your code. For Python specifically, follow PEP guidelines, and using linters can really help. I'd suggest starting with isort for imports and flake8 for checking style. Once you're comfortable, you might want to explore tools like black or ruff for automatic formatting. Also, check out the Zen of Python; those core principles can really clarify your approach!

Stick with the imports at the top, then list your helper functions, core functions, and finish with the main function followed by the `if __name__ == '__main__':` block. This is a common convention that keeps your code clean and easy to read.

In Python, you can define functions in any order as long as you don't call them before they're defined. The `if __name__ == '__main__':` block is usually at the end, but whether you place helper or main functions first is more about personal preference. A general convention is to have imports at the top for readability. For larger projects, consider splitting the code into multiple files for better management.

PEP 8 doesn't strictly enforce function order, but the most common structure is: imports (standard library, third-party, local), constants, helper functions, main logic or classes, and end with `if __name__ == '__main__':`. Your approach works, but it’s less typical; many expect to see small utilities first, followed by the main logic that uses them. Consistency is key!