Add Quote by Steve McConnell
“Good code is its own best documentation. As you're about to add a comment, ask yourself, "How can I improve the code so that this comment isn't needed?" Improve the code and then document it to make it even clearer.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Code Complete, Steve McConnell, 1993
Code should be clear enough that comments are unnecessary; clarity reduces reliance on external explanations.
In simple terms: Write clear code, not just comments.
Make code self‑explanatory before adding comments.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- code reviews
- pair programming
- maintenance
- onboarding
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you simplify this function?
- When is a comment truly essential?
Complex logic may still need brief notes for future readers.