# Clean Code definition
We define Clean Code as code that has the following attributes: consistency, intentionality, adaptability, and responsibility.
## Consistency
The code is written in a uniform and conventional way. All the code looks similar and follows a regular pattern, even with multiple contributors at different times.
Consistent code is formatted, conventional, and identifiable.
### Formatted
The code presentation is systematic and regular. Non-semantic choices, such as spacing, indentation, and character placement, remain consistent throughout the codebase, maintaining uniformity across files and authors.
### Conventional
The code performs tasks with expected instructions. Faced with equally good options, the code adheres to a single choice across all instances, preferring language conventions. This includes using the appropriate programming interfaces and language features.
### Identifiable
The names follow a regular structure based on language conventions. The casing, word separators, suffixes, and prefixes used in the identifiers have purpose, without arbitrary differences.
## Intentionality
The code is precise and purposeful. Every instruction makes sense, is adequately formed, and clearly communicates its behavior.
Intentional code is clear, logical, complete, and efficient.
### Clear
The code is self-explanatory, transparently communicating its functionality. It is written in a straightforward way that minimizes ambiguity, avoiding unnecessary clever or intricate solutions.
### Logical
The code has well-formed and sound instructions that work together. It is free of explicit errors, contradictions, and commands that could be unpredictable or objectionable.
### Complete
The code constructs are comprehensive and used adequately and thoroughly. The code is functional and achieves its implied goals. There are no obviously incomplete or lacking solutions.
### Efficient
The code uses resources without needless waste. It prioritizes economical options when available, avoiding unnecessary consumption of memory, processor, disk, or network resources.
## Adaptability
The code is structured to be easy to evolve and develop with confidence. It makes extending or repurposing its parts easy and promotes localized changes without undesirable side-effects.
Adaptable code is focused, distinct, modular, and tested.
### Focused
The code has a single, narrow, and specific scope. Each unit should have only one concise purpose, without an overwhelming accumulation of instructions or excessive amounts of complexity.
### Distinct
The code procedures and data are unique and distinctive, without undue duplication. The codebase has no significant repetition where it could be decomposed into smaller shared segments.
### Modular
The code has been organized and distributed to emphasize the separation between its parts. The relationships within the code are carefully managed, ensuring they are minimal and clearly defined.
### Tested
The code has automated checks that provide confidence in the functionality. It has enough test coverage which enables changes in implementation without the risk of functional regressions.
## Responsibility
The code takes into account its ethical obligations on data, as well as societal norms.
Responsible code is lawful, trustworthy, and respectful.
### Lawful
The code respects licensing and copyright regulation. It exercises the creator’s rights and honors other’s rights to license their own code.
### Trustworthy
The code abstains from revealing or hard-coding private information. It preserves sensitive private information such as credentials and personally identifying information.
### Respectful
The code refrains from using discriminatory and offensive language. It chooses to prioritize inclusive terminology whenever an alternative exists that conveys the same meaning.
## Learn more
Check the [software-qualities](https://docs.sonarsource.com/sonarqube-server/10.7/core-concepts/clean-code/software-qualities "mention") page to better understand software qualities. On the [code-analysis](https://docs.sonarsource.com/sonarqube-server/10.7/core-concepts/clean-code/code-analysis "mention") page you can learn how Clean Code attributes and software qualities are impacted by your code issue.