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What does "code smell" mean in programming?

code smell is one of the most common terms in software development. This guide explains what it means, how it is used in practice, and why it matters, with real examples from the developer world.

Definition

A surface indicator in source code that suggests a deeper problem. Common smells include long functions, too many parameters, deeply nested conditions, and duplicate code. Code smells do not always mean a bug exists, but they signal poor design that should be addressed.

Example

"A function with 10 parameters is a code smell — it probably has too many responsibilities."

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