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Code Quote by Steve McConnell

“Good code is its own best documentation.” quote by Steve McConnell
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“Good code is its own best documentation.”

Steve McConnell

About This Quote

When code is clear and self‑explanatory, it serves as its own documentation, reducing the need for separate comments.

In simple terms: Clear code documents itself.

Key Takeaway

Write code that reads like documentation.

Themes

software engineering clarity documentation

Mood

practical educational

Type

technical process

When to use this quote

  • programming
  • code reviews
  • team onboarding
  • technical writing

Key Concepts

readability self‑describing code maintenance

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance self‑documenting code with necessary external documentation?
  • What practices help keep code clear over time?
A Different Perspective

Self‑documenting code can still benefit from external docs for context.

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