# clean code

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clean-code
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

computer programming that is easy for other people to read, understand, and change later. It follows clear rules so that the logic is simple and mistakes are easy to find.

For teachers: source code that is written with a focus on readability, maintainability, and simplicity. It adheres to established software engineering principles and naming conventions to ensure that the logic is transparent to other developers.

## Examples

- Writing clean code makes it easier for your team to fix bugs.
- The senior developer insisted on clean code because the project would be maintained by different teams over the next five years.
- While functional software meets immediate requirements, clean code ensures long-term sustainability by reducing technical debt and allowing for more efficient refactoring as the system evolves.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.