Why Comments Are a Red Flag in Code

Good code explains itself. Bad code needs comments: That's not me being harsh. It's just reality. Here's why comment-heavy code is a red flag: 0. It's a proxy for bad naming. ↳ If your variables and functions have clear names, you don't need comments to explain them. 1. It's not self-explanatory. ↳ Good code reads like a story. If you need comments to "translate" what's happening, the code itself isn't clear enough. 2. It's a maintenance nightmare. ↳ Comments don't refactor automatically. So they become lies over time. 3. It increases visual clutter. ↳ More lines to scan means more cognitive load. Comments make your codebase harder to navigate. 4. It often becomes outdated fast. ↳ Code changes frequently. Comments don't. The disconnect creates confusion. The best code documents itself through clear naming, simple logic, and obvious structure. Comments should explain why, not what. What's your take on this? #softwareengineering #coding #programming

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Clear naming and structure should make the what obvious. Comments add real value when they explain the why behind a decision or trade-off. 

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Totally agree. I’ve seen too many great ideas buried under a pile of outdated comments. Clear names and simple logic not only save time but keep the code humane for everyone who reads it next.

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This is a fantastic perspective. I love the idea of 'Good code reads like a story.' It reframes coding from a purely technical task to an act of empathy—empathy for your future self and for your teammates. That's what real 'clean code' is all about. Thanks for this reminder

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Focusing on naming and structure pays off long-term: I always tell my team that clear code minimizes both confusion and maintenance headaches.

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