test cta

How do we define a code error?

In this study, we defined code errors as any code that reduces the ability for the code to be easily understood. This did not include functional errors that would prevent the code from operating as intended, but instead errors that represent poor coding practices. These code errors were derived from academic literature on code readability[^1] and code complexity[^2]. The code errors were used in the rubric provided during the code review. They included: inconsistent naming, unclear identifiers, excessive line length, excessive whitespace, missing documentation, repeated code, excessive branching or loop depth, insufficient separation of functionality, and variable complexity.

Acknowledgments: we’d like to thank Lizzie Redford, Ph.D. and Sida Peng, Ph.D. for their support on the study design and statistical analysis of this research.

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Written by

Oscar Sanchez