Product Overview: Better Code Hub
Introduction
Better Code Hub is an online service developed by the Software Improvement Group (SIG) that is designed to enhance the quality and maintainability of software code. Integrated with GitHub, this platform leverages 15 years of code quality knowledge to guide developers in writing better, more maintainable code.
What it Does
Better Code Hub analyzes software systems against a set of 10 guidelines for maintainable software, which are derived from the book “Building Maintainable Software.” These guidelines are calibrated annually based on a large industry and open-source benchmark, ensuring that the standards reflect the state-of-the-art in software engineering.
Key Features and Functionality
Guidelines for Maintainable Software
The platform checks code compliance against the following 10 guidelines:
- Write Short Units of Code: Short units are easier to understand.
- Write Simple Units of Code: Simple units are easier to test.
- Write Code Once: Duplicated code means duplicated bugs and changes.
- Keep Unit Interfaces Small: Units with small interfaces are easier to reuse.
- Separate Concerns in Modules: Modules with a single responsibility are easier to change.
- Couple Architecture Components Loosely: Independent components can be maintained in isolation.
- Keep Architecture Components Balanced: A balanced architecture makes it easier to navigate.
- Keep Your Codebase Small: A small codebase requires less maintenance effort.
- Automate Tests: Automated tests are repeatable and help prevent bugs.
- Write Clean Code: Follow the principle of leaving the codebase cleaner than you found it.
Integration and Ease of Use
- Better Code Hub integrates seamlessly with GitHub, allowing users to log in with their GitHub account and analyze their public repositories with zero setup time.
- The platform supports 16 programming languages and can run analyses on each push or pull request (PR) to master and branches.
Refactoring and Impact Analysis
- It identifies refactoring candidates and provides an assessment of their impact, helping developers prioritize improvements.
- The tool offers a “Definition of Done” for code quality, ensuring that compliance with Better Code Hub’s guidelines aligns with industry best practices.
Benchmarking and Compliance
- Compliance thresholds are derived from a large industry and open-source benchmark, which includes over 8 billion lines of code in more than 180 different technologies. SIG analyzes around 15 million lines of code every week to maintain these standards.
Benefits
- Improved Maintainability: By adhering to the 10 guidelines, developers can ensure their code is more maintainable, modular, and efficient.
- Enhanced Code Quality: The platform helps in identifying and addressing issues early, reducing the likelihood of bugs and improving overall code quality.
- Streamlined Development: With automated checks and refactoring suggestions, developers can focus on writing better code without the need for manual reviews and audits.
Conclusion
Better Code Hub is a powerful tool for developers and software teams aiming to improve the quality and maintainability of their code. By leveraging extensive industry benchmarks and integrating seamlessly with GitHub, it provides a comprehensive solution for ensuring that code meets high standards of quality and maintainability.