Editing Programming style (section)

{{Short description|Manner of writing source code}}
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'''Programming style''', also known as '''coding style''', refers to the conventions and patterns used in writing [[source code]], resulting in a consistent and readable [[codebase]]. These conventions often encompass aspects such as [[Indentation style|indentation]], [[Naming convention (programming)|naming conventions]], [[capitalization]], and [[Comment (computer programming)|comments]]. Consistent programming style is generally considered beneficial for [[code readability]] and [[maintainability]], particularly in collaborative environments.

Maintaining a consistent style across a codebase can improve readability and ease of software maintenance. It allows developers to quickly understand code written by others and reduces the likelihood of errors during modifications. Adhering to standardized coding guidelines ensures that teams follow a uniform approach, making the codebase easier to manage and scale. Many organizations and [[Open source|open-source]] projects adopt specific coding standards to facilitate collaboration and reduce cognitive load.

Style guidelines can be formalized in documents known as '''coding conventions''', which dictate specific formatting and naming rules. These conventions may be prescribed by official standards for a programming language or developed internally within a team or project. For example, [[Python (programming language)|Python]]'s [[PEP 8]] is a widely recognized style guide that outlines best practices for writing Python code. In contrast, languages like [[C (programming language)|C]] or [[Java (programming language)|Java]] may have industry standards that are either formally documented or adhered to by convention.