Code Quality Best Practices

Every line of code must satisfy three invariants simultaneously: correctness, clarity, and changeability. They are not in tension — at the DE level, they reinforce each other.

When to Apply

Apply these standards when:

• Writing any new code or functions
• Reviewing or refactoring existing code
• Designing class hierarchies or module boundaries
• Choosing between design patterns
• Fixing bugs or addressing code smells
• Optimizing performance or algorithmic complexity
• Handling errors or defining failure modes

Three Invariants

Every piece of code must satisfy all three: