Write more maintainable Python code, avoid these 15 code smells

By on 15 September 2023

This week we talk about code smells. 💡

Listen here:

Also available on our YouTube channel:

While there, like and subscribe to get similar content regularly …

Code smells are characteristics in the code that might indicate deeper issues or potential problems. While they’re not necessarily bugs, they can be a sign of poor code quality or maintainability issues. 😱

We distilled 15 common smells ranging from generic programming to Python specific issues. We hope it will make your more conscious of your code as well as code you’ll review. 🐍 💪

If you have any feedback, hit us up on:
– LinkedIn
– X
– Email
(Also for any podcast topic requests …)

Mentioned Dictionary Dispatch Pattern video

And to write cleaner, more maintainable code, in the context of (complex) real world applications, check out our 1:1 coaching options.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro music
00:20 What are code smells?
01:11 1. Long functions or classes
01:46 2. Duplicated code
02:25 3. Data Clumps
03:13 4. Using the global space
03:52 5. Magic numbers
04:38 6. Primitive obsession
05:06 7. Overusing comments
06:23 8. Too deep nesting
07:36 9. Switch statement or long if-elif-elif-else chains
08:41 10. Too deep inheritance
09:45 11. Dead code
10:21 12. Misusing (nested) listcomps
11:03 13. Single letter variable names
12:03 14. Mutable Default Arguments
13:05 15. Error Silencing
14:04 Wrap up
14:56 Outro music

Thanks for tuning in as always 🙏 and next week we’ll be back with a brand new episode … 🎧

Want a career as a Python Developer but not sure where to start?