Importance of having documentation in codebases.

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While well named variables can improve code readability and minimise the need for comprehensive explanation, they cannot completely eliminate the requirement for code description. Documentation offers a purpose beyond than simply clarifying variable names.

Here are a few reasons why documentation is still vital, even when variables are well-named:

1. Giving Context and Intention: Documentation allows you to offer context, clarify the purpose, and convey the code’s objective. It assists other developers in comprehending the reasons behind particular decisions as well as the intended behaviour of the code.
2. Clarifying Assumptions and Constraints: Variables may not capture all of the code’s underlying assumptions or constraints. You can specify the intended circumstances, limitations, and any potential side effects or trade-offs through documentation.
3. Explaining Algorithmic Logic: Variable names may not properly convey the complexities of the algorithms or complicated logic included within the code. Documentation can be used to describe the underlying algorithmic procedures, optimisations, or any particular edge cases that are addressed.
4. API and Usage Policies: Documentation is essential for designing libraries or frameworks because it defines the public API contracts, such as method signatures, argument expectations, and return values. It teaches users how to properly interact with the codebase.
5. Usage Examples: Documentation can give usage examples and code snippets that show how to successfully use various functions or classes. This assists developers in understanding and implementing the code without the need for lengthy trial and error.
6. Business logic and architectural context: Non-code parts of documentation include architectural considerations, design patterns, deployment instructions, and overall project structure. These details, which go beyond individual variables, provide a comprehensive comprehension of the software.

Conclusion

While well-named variables make contributions to code clarity and may lessen the want for distinct comments, they can not update the want for documentation entirely. An aggregate of significant variable names, well-based code, and informative documentation is good for fostering understanding, collaboration, and maintainability inside a codebase.