Is my first Java messenger server too large, or should I split it up?
I'm building a simple messenger server as my first project, but the code is starting to feel much larger than expected. It currently handles loading login data from…
programming best practices
Is Using Boolean Arithmetic Like This a Good Programming Practice?
I wrote a line that chooses between different values based on whether `IorC` is equal to `"i"`, `"c"`, or `"s"`, using Boolean results as arithmetic or multiplication factors:…
How do you decide between a concise one-liner and more explicit code?
I'm learning Go as my first programming language, and I keep running into the choice between compact one-liners and more verbose, step-by-step code. For example, to select a…
How can I learn to write cleaner, more maintainable code?
I've mostly been learning by building projects, making mistakes, and trying to improve the next version. That has helped, but I'm wondering what else I should be doing…
How Can I Learn Modern C++ Without Writing C with Classes?
I have solid beginner-to-intermediate experience with C, including one fairly substantial project, and I've also used Python, Rust, JavaScript, and a little C#. I learn best by building…
How can I learn modern C++ without writing C-style code?
I'm trying to learn C++ after gaining some experience with C, including one reasonably large project. I've also worked with Python, Rust, JavaScript, and a little C# through…
What Makes Code So Bad It “Makes Your Eyes Bleed”?
I've heard people describe difficult code by saying that reading it made their eyes bleed. I understand that code can be buggy, but what makes code feel bad…
How should a beginner practically document small VBA projects?
I'm a self-taught programmer and still learning the fundamentals. Since I work heavily with Microsoft tools, I'm currently using VBA to build small utilities for my day job.…
Why Do People Say “Don’t Reinvent the Wheel”?
I keep hearing the phrase "don't reinvent the wheel," especially when people talk about programming and other kinds of work. What does the "wheel" represent in this expression?…
Should sequential functions be coordinated by one caller or chained together?
When organizing a program, I often need to run several functions in sequence. One approach is to have a separate driver function call each step and pass the…
How Do You Stop Overthinking Whether Your Code Is “The Right Way”?
I started a recreational project a while ago: a simple 2D shooter in C++ using Raylib. I'm studying computer engineering and already have reasonable experience with Java, Python,…
How can we improve consistency in naming data across teams?
I've recently come to realize that naming data correctly is a significant challenge, often leading to technical debt in larger projects involving multiple teams. My focus isn't just…
Why Use Private Variables in C++ Classes?
I'm trying to understand the difference between private and public variables in C++ classes. I've read that private variables protect data by requiring the use of setters and…
How Can I Tell If My Code is Optimized vs Unoptimized?
I'm new to programming and I keep hearing about the difference between optimized and unoptimized coding, especially when working with tools like Cursor for AI code generation. My…
Where's the Best Place to Keep My Test Files in a Repository?
Hey everyone! I'm diving deeper into programming and I'm curious about test file organization. Specifically, I'd love to know the best practices for keeping my test files in…
How to Effectively Maintain Both Sync and Async APIs in Python?
I just launched a Python package that offers both synchronous and asynchronous APIs. Besides the async/sync difference, the two APIs are mostly the same, leading to a lot…
What are the best tips for writing clean and maintainable Python code?
I'm working on a medium-sized Python project and really want to make sure my code is both clean and maintainable. I've read about coding standards and principles like…
Should I Make Small Changes in a PR Review or Let the Author Handle It?
I'm curious about the correct approach when reviewing a pull request (PR). If there's a minor adjustment needed, like moving a block of code to where it belongs,…
What are some web development tips you’ve picked up?
As I dive deeper into web development, I've realized a few key insights that could help others. For instance, a light database query can really add up if…
How can I simplify a long series of If/Else statements in my shell program?
I'm currently working on a custom shell project and have hit a bit of a snag. My main loop is filled with multiple if/else statements to handle different…