The Elements of Programming Style

by Brian W. Kernighan, P. J. Plauger

Cover for The Elements of Programming Style

Book Summary

Programming is not merely about writing code that machines can execute; it is an exercise in clear communication and thoughtful design. The Elements of Programming Style by Brian W. Kernighan and P. J. Plauger is a foundational text that distills essential principles for writing code with clarity, elegance, and maintainability. Through a series of concise rules and illustrative examples, the authors convey timeless insights that have influenced generations of programmers.

  • Clarity over cleverness: Code should be easily understood by humans, prioritizing readability rather than showcasing programming tricks.
  • Consistent style: Maintaining a uniform coding style helps...

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