What are 'best practices' in programming?

Best practices in programming are guidelines that lead to high-quality code and efficiency. These practices encompass a variety of principles and techniques that programmers adopt to write code that is not only functional but also maintainable, scalable, and efficient. Following these guidelines often results in increased productivity, fewer bugs, and easier collaboration among team members.

For instance, best practices include writing meaningful variable names, structuring code in a clear and organized manner, utilizing version control systems, and conducting code reviews. These aspects contribute to creating code that is easier to read, understand, and modify, which is crucial in both individual and team-based development environments. Moreover, adopting best practices often involves implementing design patterns and adhering to standards that enhance the overall quality of the software being developed.

While formatting code, error handling, and design standards are important in their own right, they are more specific aspects of the broader category of best practices. The essence of best practices is to ensure the overall effectiveness and quality of the coding process and the final product.