The Best Line Length
16 days ago
- #programming
- #readability
- #coding-standards
- The optimal maximum line length for coding is suggested to be 88 characters, balancing readability and practicality.
- Historical context reveals that 80-character limits originated from hardware like teletypes and punch cards, not arbitrary choices.
- Human physiology supports shorter line lengths for reading comfort, as our eyes move in quick bursts called 'saccades'.
- Modern wide screens are underutilized for text, but multi-column layouts could better leverage screen real estate for reading and coding.
- Code isn't prose; indentation reduces effective line length, making 90-character limits practical for readable code.
- Soft-wrapping code is theoretically ideal but impractical due to tool integration issues like diff tools.
- The debate on line length is nuanced, but 88 characters is humorously and practically suggested as the standard.