Code Smells
Code smells are surface indicators in source code that suggest deeper problems in design or implementation, often hinting at violations of fundamental design principles. They are not bugs or errors themselves, but they make code harder to understand, maintain, and extend, potentially leading to technical debt. The concept was popularized by Martin Fowler and Kent Beck as part of refactoring practices in software development.
Developers should learn about code smells to improve code quality, facilitate refactoring, and reduce technical debt, especially in long-term projects or team environments where maintainability is critical. Identifying and addressing code smells helps prevent bugs, enhances readability, and supports agile development by making code easier to change. Common use cases include code reviews, legacy system maintenance, and when applying design patterns or principles like SOLID.