We write programs to instruct
computers. When programming using a high level programming language
like C++ or Java, we are using a syntax that is somewhat closer to
human languages. However, we use these programs as inputs to either
compilers or interpreters to be converted to computer understandable
binary format. For this reason, as far as the program code adheres to
the syntax of the used programming languages, the compilers and
interpreters never bother about the layout or visual formatting of
the program code. However, as human programmers, we ourselves need to
bother about the aesthetics of the program code.

What is a Coding Standard?
A coding standard is a set of guidelines, rules and regulations on how
to write code. Usually a coding standard includes guide lines on how
to name variables, how to indent the code, how to place parenthesis
and keywords etc. The idea is to be consistent in programming so
that, in case of multiple people working on the same code, it becomes
easier for one to understand what others have done. Even for
individual programmers, and especially for beginners, it becomes very
important to adhere to a standard when writing the code. The idea is,
when we look at our own code after some time, if we have followed a
coding standard, it takes less time to understand or remember what we
meant when we wrote some piece of code.

Coding Standards Make a Difference
Look at the following example:

 int volume(int i, int j, int k) {
 int vol;
 vol = i * j * k;
 return vol;
 }

 int calculateVolume(int height, int width, int length) {
 int volume = 0;
 volume = height * width * length;
 return volume;
 }

 char* myName = NULL;

Code readability is just one of the aspects of maintainability. Coding standards help a great deal
with program maintainability, our ability to change programs with
ease. Consistency imposed through a coding standard is a key factor
to achieve success in maintaining prorams.

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