PHP
Guard Clauses: Flatten Your Code
Nested conditions turn code into a "staircase" that's hard to read and maintain. Guard clauses solve this elegantly.
The Problem
function processOrder($order, $user) {
if ($order !== null) {
if ($order->isPaid()) {
if ($user->hasPermission('process_orders')) {
// finally, the actual logic
$order->ship();
return true;
}
}
}
return false;
}The Solution
function processOrder($order, $user) {
if ($order === null) return false;
if (!$order->isPaid()) return false;
if (!$user->hasPermission('process_orders')) return false;
$order->ship();
return true;
}The Principle
Fail fast — check negative scenarios first and exit early. Leave the main logic without nesting.
Where to Apply
return— exit functioncontinue— skip loop iterationbreak— exit loop
Code becomes linear, like a book — you read top to bottom without jumping between nesting levels.
Афоризм дня:
Народ должен защищать закон как свой оплот, как охранительную свою стену. (501)
By den
On June 10, 2025
