Lesson 5
Eliminating Redundancies in C++ Code
Introduction

Hey there! 🎉 You've made it to the final stretch of the Clean Code in C++ course. Amazing job! 🚀 So far, we've explored essential concepts, like naming conventions, function structures, and best practices for clean and maintainable code. In this lesson, we'll focus on eliminating redundancies in the code. This involves identifying unnecessary clutter that can make maintenance a nightmare. Let's dive in and make your code as clean and lean as possible! 🧹

Which Code Is Redundant?

A smaller, well-optimized codebase is your best friend, as long as it serves the business needs efficiently. Here’s what to watch for:

  • Unnecessary Comments: Comments that repeat what the code already shows make your codebase cluttered.
  • Duplicate Code: Code that appears in multiple locations with little to no change is just extra baggage.
  • Lazy Classes: Classes that do not justify their existence clutter your architecture.
  • Dead Code: Code that is no longer used is like old furniture — just taking up space.
  • Speculative Generality: Code written for potential use cases that might never happen adds bloat.
Unnecessary Comments

You’ve heard it before: remove comments that the code itself explains. Here's a quick refresher:

C++
1// This function calculates the total
2int calculateTotal(int a, int b) {
3    return a + b;
4}

The comment above repeats what the function name already clarifies. Keep your comments meaningful! 👍

Duplicate Code

You've learned about the DRY principle — time to put it into practice! By extracting common logic into functions or classes, you simplify your code.

C++
1void sendNotification(User user) {
2   // sending logic
3}
4
5void alertUser(User user) {
6   // same sending logic
7}

Refactor to eliminate duplication:

C++
1void notifyUser(User user) {
2   // sending logic
3}

You've just reduced clutter and increased maintainability! 🌟

Lazy Classes

Why keep a class that doesn't add value? Here's an example:

C++
1class DataWrapper {
2public:
3    std::string getData() const { return data; }
4    void setData(const std::string& value) { data = value; }
5private:
6    std::string data;
7    // Only getters and setters
8};

If it’s just a shell, consider integrating the functionality elsewhere to streamline your class structure.

Dead Code

Like that old, dusty piece of furniture, dead code needs to go:

C++
1void obsoleteMethod() {
2    // functionality no longer needed
3}

By removing it, you keep your codebase healthy and easier to comprehend. 🗑️

Speculative Generality

Avoid coding for hypothetical scenarios you'll never need:

C++
1void processData(const std::variant<std::string, int>& data) {
2    if (auto specificType = std::get_if<std::string>(&data)) {
3        // process logic for SpecificType
4    } else {
5        // unnecessary generic handling that isn't required now
6    }
7}

Keep it simple and tailored to actual requirements, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Summary

Congrats on reaching the end! 🎉 In this lesson, we focused on improving code quality by removing unnecessary elements that do not contribute to its value or clarity. This includes eliminating redundant comments, duplicate code, unused classes, obsolete code, and overly generalized features that aren't currently needed. The goal is to make the code cleaner, more focused, and easier to understand.

Enjoy this lesson? Now it's time to practice with Cosmo!
Practice is how you turn knowledge into actual skills.