DRY vs WET Code: Are You Coding Smart or Hard?

DRY vs WET

In the world of coding, DRY stands for "Don't Repeat Yourself" and WET stands for "Write Everything Twice" if we're feeling cheeky, "We Enjoy Typing". They're like the two sides of a coin, representing the do's and don'ts of writing repeating code.

Don't Repeat Yourself

The DRY principle, coined by Andy Hunt and Dave Thomas in their book "The Pragmatic Programmer", basically tells us to avoid duplication in our code.

Imagine we're writing a greeting app that says "Good morning", "Good afternoon", and "Good evening". A WET approach to this would look like this:

function greetMorning(name) {
  return `Good morning, ${name}!`;
}

function greetAfternoon(name) {
  return `Good afternoon, ${name}!`;
}

function greetEvening(name) {
  return `Good evening, ${name}!`;
}

Here, we are repeating the same basic structure in all three functions. How do we DRY this out?

function createGreeting(greeting) {
  return function(name) {
    return `${greeting}, ${name}!`;
  }
}

const greetMorning = createGreeting('Good morning');
const greetAfternoon = createGreeting('Good afternoon');
const greetEvening = createGreeting('Good evening');

With this approach, we only write the basic structure once and then re-use it, making our code DRY and easier to maintain.

The Advantages of DRY

The DRY principle isn't just a good idea - it's a game changer. Here's why:

Maintainability

The most compelling advantage of the DRY principle lies in its potential to enhance maintainability.

Think of DRY as your ultimate tool to tidy up your code. If you're applying the same bit of code in numerous spots and an issue arises, fixing it can be like playing a never-ending game of hide and seek. But with DRY? You do your maintenance once, and that's it. Your code becomes solid as a rock.

Readability

DRY code is like a well-written book - it's easy to follow and understand. It's not so much about the principle itself but about the thought and effort developers put into making their code clear and cohesive.

Reusability

DRY is the secret recipe for code that you can use again and again. By turning repetitive code into a single, clear block, you pave the way for efficient development down the line.

Cost

In the world of code, less is more. Redundant code means more maintenance and more time dealing with bugs. That's why DRY = happy customers and a happy budget.

Testing

Here's the deal: DRY makes testing a breeze. When you don't repeat your code, testing comes down to one main path. Sure, you'll still need to test variations, but you'll cut down on a lot of extra work.

Caution

As awesome as DRY is, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some code snippets might seem similar but are actually different - merging them can create a whole new problem. Also, resist the urge to use DRY when you only have one instance of a code block. While it's great to plan for reusability, don't force DRY where it isn't needed.

And remember, DRY isn't just about code. It applies to all areas of development, including database design, documentation, and testing scripts. Use DRY wisely, and it will elevate your whole development practice.

WET isn't a bad thing, sometimes you'll waste more time on coding generic functions that you won't use more than twice. I might write about the rule of three in the future, so you'll have a better understanding of when to use DRY or WET.

In Conclusion

The DRY principle is more than a coding mantra, it revolutionizes the way we approach development. By streamlining maintainability, enhancing readability, and promoting reusable and cost-effective practices. DRY empowers developers to create robust, efficient, and manageable software.

Remember, DRY isn't a 'cure-all' solution and should be applied thoughtfully. Sometimes, what appears to be redundancy is necessary and thoughtful design. However, used wisely, DRY principles can transform coding from a daunting task into an elegant and enjoyable process. It's not just about coding less - it's about coding smart.