What conventions make code more readable?

Conventions that make code more readable include consistent indentation, meaningful variable names, and comprehensive comments.

Consistent indentation is a fundamental convention that enhances code readability. It visually separates blocks of code, making it easier to understand the structure and flow of the program. For example, in Python, indentation is not just a matter of style; it's a requirement. In other languages like Java or C++, it's not mandatory, but it's highly recommended. Consistent indentation helps to quickly identify loops, conditionals, and function or class boundaries, which is particularly useful when debugging or reviewing code.

Using meaningful variable names is another important convention. Variable names should be descriptive and reflect the data they hold. For example, instead of naming a variable 'x', it would be more helpful to name it 'studentAge' or 'totalScore'. This makes the code self-explanatory, reducing the need for additional comments. It also makes the code easier to maintain, as other developers can understand the purpose of each variable without needing to trace its usage through the code.

Comprehensive comments are also crucial for code readability. Comments should explain the 'why' behind the code, not the 'what'. The code itself shows what is being done, but comments should explain why it's being done that way, especially if the logic is complex or not immediately obvious. However, comments should be used judiciously. Over-commenting, or stating the obvious, can make the code cluttered and harder to read.

Another convention is the use of white space. Proper use of white space, such as blank lines between sections of code and spaces around operators, can make the code more readable. It helps to visually separate different parts of the code, making it easier to scan and understand.

Lastly, following a consistent coding style or adhering to a style guide can greatly improve code readability. This includes consistent use of casing (camelCase, snake_case, etc.), placement of braces, and other syntactic elements. Many programming languages have their own style guides, such as PEP 8 for Python and Google's Java Style Guide. Following these guides can make the code more consistent and easier to read, especially in a team setting where multiple people are working on the same codebase.