selfdocumented

Selfdocumented refers to a piece of code or a system that is designed to be easily understood by humans without the need for extensive external documentation. This is achieved through various practices that make the code itself more readable and self-explanatory. Key principles include using clear and descriptive variable and function names, structuring code logically with appropriate indentation and spacing, and breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable units. Comments, when used effectively, can further enhance selfdocumentation by explaining the 'why' behind certain code decisions or clarifying intricate logic. The goal is to minimize the cognitive load required for another developer, or even the original author at a later time, to comprehend the purpose and functionality of the code. This approach is often contrasted with systems that rely heavily on separate, often outdated, documentation files. A well-selfdocumented codebase can lead to faster onboarding of new team members, easier maintenance, and a reduction in bugs caused by misunderstandings. It is a fundamental aspect of writing high-quality, maintainable software.