Understanding Cognitive Load in Software Development

There are so many buzzwords and best practices out there, but let's focus on something more fundamental. What matters is the amount of confusion developers feel when going through the code.

Cognitive load plays a crucial role in software development, affecting how developers understand and work with code. High cognitive load can lead to confusion, wasting time and resources. It comprises intrinsic load, which is unavoidable due to task difficulty, and extraneous load, which arises from how information is presented. Developers should aim to minimize extraneous load by simplifying code structure, reducing the number of shallow modules or microservices, and using clear naming conventions. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also improves productivity, especially for new team members.

Cognitive load is the mental effort required to understand code.
Reducing extraneous cognitive load can improve code clarity and maintainability.
Shallow modules and excessive microservices can complicate understanding and increase cognitive burden.
Clear naming conventions and self-describing data can help alleviate cognitive load.

What is cognitive load in software development?

Cognitive load refers to the amount of mental effort required to process information and complete tasks, which can significantly impact a developer's ability to understand and work with code.

How can developers reduce extraneous cognitive load?

Developers can reduce extraneous cognitive load by simplifying code structures, avoiding excessive fragmentation into small modules, and using meaningful names for variables and functions to enhance clarity.

Why are too many shallow modules problematic?

Having too many shallow modules can create confusion and increase the cognitive load required to understand the overall system, making it harder for developers, especially new team members, to grasp the project's functionality and interactions.