Be consistent with the parameters you use. Code is prose.

TL;DR: Don't confuse you readers. Keep the order.

Problems

• Readability

• Consistency

Solutions

1. Refactor and change parameters order.

2. Use named parameters

Sample Code

Wrong

function giveFirstDoseOfVaccine(person, vaccine) {
  //
}

function giveSecondDoseOfVaccine(vaccine, person) {
  //
}


giveFirstDoseOfVaccine(jane, pfizer);
giveSecondDoseOfVaccine(jane, pfizer);  //Unnoticed mistake

Right

function giveFirstDoseOfVaccine(person, vaccine) {
  //
}

function giveSecondDoseOfVaccine(person, vaccine) {
  //
}


giveFirstDoseOfVaccine(jane, pfizer);
giveSecondDoseOfVaccine(jane, pfizer);  //jane is immunized

Detection

• Some very smart linters may be able to compare arguments and hint for possible mistakes.

Tags

• Readability

Conclusion

This is a very simple smell.

Readability is very important to avoid mistakes.

Relations

Code Smell 10 - Too Many Arguments

Maxi Contieri ・ Oct 29 '20

#codenewbie #beginners #100daysofcode #oop

Credits

Photo by Lance Grandahl on Unsplash

Computers are good at following instructions, but not at reading your mind.

Donald Knuth

Software Engineering Great Quotes

Maxi Contieri ・ Dec 28 '20

#codenewbie #programming #quotes #software

This article is part of the CodeSmell Series.

How to Find the Stinky parts of your Code

Maxi Contieri ・ May 21 '21

#codenewbie #tutorial #codequality #beginners