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Programming concepts class4

The document outlines best practices for using conditionals in programming to enhance readability, performance, and maintainability. Key recommendations include keeping conditions simple, using early returns to reduce nesting, and optimizing boolean comparisons. It also emphasizes the importance of writing test cases for edge conditions and ensuring readability in code.

Uploaded by

Federico Czyrka
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3 views3 pages

Programming concepts class4

The document outlines best practices for using conditionals in programming to enhance readability, performance, and maintainability. Key recommendations include keeping conditions simple, using early returns to reduce nesting, and optimizing boolean comparisons. It also emphasizes the importance of writing test cases for edge conditions and ensuring readability in code.

Uploaded by

Federico Czyrka
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using conditionals effectively can improve readability, performance, and

maintainability in your code. Here are some best practices to follow:

### **1. Keep Conditions Simple and Clear**


- Avoid overly complex conditions that make code hard to read.
- Break down complicated conditions into helper functions or variables.

#### **Example:**
Instead of:
```javascript
if (user.age > 18 && user.hasSubscription && user.accountStatus === "active") {
allowAccess();
}
```
Use:
```javascript
let isEligible = user.age > 18 && user.hasSubscription && user.accountStatus ===
"active";
if (isEligible) {
allowAccess();
}
```
This improves readability and debugging.

---

### **2. Use `else if` Efficiently**


- Instead of chaining multiple `else if` statements, consider refactoring with
`switch` (JavaScript) or `match` (Python 3.10+).
- Avoid deep nesting; prioritize straightforward logic.

---

### **3. Avoid Redundant Conditionals**


- Don�t check conditions unnecessarily�let defaults handle logical cases.

#### **Example:**
Instead of:
```python
if flag == True:
return True
else:
return False
```
Use:
```python
return flag # More concise
```

---

### **4. Optimize Boolean Comparisons**


- Avoid unnecessary comparisons like `if (flag == true)`.
- Use direct Boolean evaluations.

#### **Example in JavaScript:**


Instead of:
```javascript
if (isUserLoggedIn === true) {
showDashboard();
}
```
Use:
```javascript
if (isUserLoggedIn) {
showDashboard();
}
```
This is more natural and efficient.

---

### **5. Consider Early Returns to Reduce Nesting**


Using **early returns** prevents excessive indentation.

#### **Example in Python:**


Instead of:
```python
def process_order(order):
if order.is_valid():
if order.in_stock():
process_payment(order)
confirm_shipping(order)
```
Use:
```python
def process_order(order):
if not order.is_valid():
return
if not order.in_stock():
return
process_payment(order)
confirm_shipping(order)
```
Less indentation makes it cleaner.

---

### **6. Use Ternary Operators for Short Conditional Assignments**


When dealing with simple decisions, ternary operators are more concise.

#### **Example in JavaScript:**


```javascript
let status = age >= 18 ? "Adult" : "Minor";
```

#### **Example in Python:**


```python
status = "Adult" if age >= 18 else "Minor"
```
These avoid unnecessary `if-else` blocks.

---

### **7. Consider Performance in Large Condition Checks**


- When dealing with many options, prefer **lookup dictionaries** over multiple `if-
else` chains.
- `switch` or `match` may be more efficient than checking multiple cases manually.
#### **Example in Python:**
```python
responses = {
"error": "Something went wrong.",
"success": "Operation completed successfully.",
"pending": "Your request is still being processed."
}
message = responses.get(status, "Unknown status")
print(message)
```
This avoids lengthy conditionals.

---

### **8. Write Test Cases for Edge Conditions**


- Test conditionals with boundary values and unexpected inputs.
- Ensure logical paths handle failures correctly.

---

### **9. Comment When Logic Is Non-Obvious**


For conditionals with complex business rules, adding brief comments clarifies
intent.

#### **Example in JavaScript:**


```javascript
// Check if the user is an active subscriber and has access to premium content
if (user.isActive && user.subscriptionType === "premium") {
grantPremiumAccess();
}
```

---

### **10. Ensure Readability First**


Even if a conditional is technically correct, if it's hard to follow, it might be
worth refactoring.

Since you specialize in JavaScript and C#, I can tailor these best practices to
specific scenarios you commonly work on�let me know if you'd like more focused
guidance!

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