The Problem with Long Methods in Code
Hey there, I’ve been thinking a lot about code structure recently, particularly long methods. Today, I want to share some thoughts and advice on dealing with long methods or functions, and why they can be an issue.
What is the difference between Methods and Functions
Methods and functions are very similar but they differ just a little bit, a function relies on data getting passed in through a parameter compared to a method which can be done globally.
For example, this would be a pure function in java and is dependent on parameters being passed in
public class MathUtils {
public static int addNumbers(int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}
}
However, this method is accessing a variable outside of the method call
public class Counter {
private int count = 0;
public int increment() {
count++;
return count;
}
}
Due to the fact that a method can access variables globally it can bit a bit tricky to test at times and can lead to unexpected side affects. Compared to a function which only will interact with what is passed on which can make it easier to test on.
The Issue with Long Methods
Long methods can quickly become a problem for developers. Imagine having a function that does multiple things—calling other functions, creating variables, making hash maps, arrays, and more. If one part of that process changes, it could cause unexpected results or side effects, which are not only frustrating but can also be tricky to debug. It makes the code harder to read and manage.
A method that is overloaded with too many responsibilities can also be a nightmare for other developers to follow. If you have a long method with many loops, method calls, and lots of logic packed in, it's likely going to confuse someone reading it later on.
Why Pure Functions Matter
One of the best practices to combat long methods is creating pure functions. You may be wondering, "What's a pure function?" Basically a pure function is one that does only one thing and does it well, without side effects.
For example, let’s say you’re building a calculator app. You don’t want one method to:
- Receive the user’s input,
- Determine the operation,
- Perform the calculation,
- Return the result,
- And then prompt the user for another input.
That’s a lot of responsibility for one method. Instead, break it up: one method could receive the user’s input, another could handle the operation, and so on. Each method should focus on a single task and perform it without affecting other parts of the code.
Refactoring Becomes Easier
By breaking up methods into smaller, single-purpose methods, you make your code much easier to refactor. For example, if you need to change how the operation is performed in the calculator app, you know exactly where to go and what to change. There’s no risk of breaking other parts of the application because the method is isolated and doesn’t rely on other methods unnecessarily.
Identifying Issues Becomes Simpler
Pure functions make debugging much easier. If you expect a certain result like 17 from a method and get an unexpected outcome, you can quickly isolate the problem. If the issue lies in the next method and not the pure function, you already know the pure function is working as expected. This level of isolation is critical in keeping your code maintainable.
The Importance of Readability
Long, bloated methods are hard to read. When you submit a pull request and another developer is reviewing your code, you don’t want them to get confused. If your coworker needs to call you to clarify what you’ve changed, it’s a sign that your code may be too complicated. Refactoring your methods into smaller, single-purpose ones helps maintain clarity and allows others to understand your code more easily.
Planning Before You Code
Before you dive straight into coding, take a moment to plan. I know it’s easy to get excited and want to jump right into writing code, but if you take a little time to think through your approach, your code quality will improve. Break things down into smaller parts, make sure each method has a clear and single responsibility, and you'll find your code becomes much more manageable.
Final Thoughts
The best advice I can give is to practice breaking down your code into pure functions. It takes time and patience, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll thank yourself later when your code is clean, maintainable, and easy to debug.
Remember, coding is a journey, and we all make mistakes along the way. Don’t be too hard on yourself, give it time, keep learning, and stay optimistic. I hope this advice is useful, and I’m sure you’ll get better with practice.
Thanks for reading! Until next time.
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