Code Smell 62 - Flag Variables

Code Smell 62 - Flag Variables

Flags indicate what happened. Unless their name is too generic.

Problems

  • Readability

  • Maintainability

  • Coupling

Solutions

  1. Use meaningful names

  2. Try to avoid flags. They generate coupling.

Sample Code

Wrong

Detection

We can search all the code for bad named flags.

Tags

  • Readability

Conclusion

Flags are widespread on production code. We should restrict their usage and use clear and intention revealing names.

Relations

More Info


If you lie to the compiler, it will get its revenge.

Henry Spencer



This article is part of the CodeSmell Series.