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What does "clean" mean in programming?

clean 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

Describes code that is easy to read, well-organized, free of dead code, and follows consistent conventions. 'Clean Code' is also the title of an influential book by Robert C. Martin. A common compliment in pull request reviews.

Example

"Nice — this is clean. The naming is clear and there is no dead code anywhere."

Related terms

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