Code Complete, 2nd Edition

Laying Out Control Structures

The layout of some program elements is primarily a matter of aesthetics. Layout of control structures, however, affects readability and comprehensibility and is therefore a practical priority.

Cross-Reference

For details on documenting control structures, see "Commenting Control Structures" in Commenting Techniques. For a discussion of other aspects of control structures, see Chapter 14 through Chapter 19.

Fine Points of Formatting Control-Structure Blocks

Working with control-structure blocks requires attention to some fine details. Here are some guidelines:

Avoid unindented begin-end pairs. In the style shown in Example 31-24, the begin-end pair is aligned with the control structure, and the statements that begin and ...