Build simple functions

Simple, focused functions are fundamental to maintainable code, following the single responsibility principle. Each function should perform one specific task, making the code easier to test, debug, and modify. This approach is particularly valuable for AI systems, which excel at understanding and combining discrete, well-defined operations. When functions are too large or handle multiple responsibilities, it becomes challenging for both humans and AI to comprehend the logic flow and identify potential issues.

Warning signs to break down your function

🔴 Handles multiple responsibilities
🔴 Contains deeply nested function calls
🟡 Shares/mutates external state
🟡 Requires scrolling to view all code
🟢 Has one clear purpose and stays short

Recommendation

Break down complex operations into smaller, composable functions that each handle a specific task. Aim for functions that are a few lines long and use descriptive names that clearly indicate their purpose. Extract repeated logic into separate utility functions and consider using function composition to build more complex operations. Ensure each function has a clear input/output contract and avoid side effects that could complicate AI analysis and code generation.