Formatting
Formatting is the process of structuring and styling data, text, or code to improve readability, consistency, and presentation. In software development, it involves applying rules for indentation, spacing, line breaks, and naming conventions to source code, documents, or data outputs. It ensures that content is organized in a standardized way, making it easier for humans to understand and maintain.
Developers should learn and use formatting to enhance code quality, facilitate collaboration, and reduce errors by enforcing consistent styles across projects. It is essential in team environments to maintain readability and adhere to coding standards, such as in languages like Python (PEP 8) or JavaScript (ESLint). Use cases include preparing code for reviews, generating clean documentation, and formatting data for APIs or user interfaces.