CLEAN CODE: GRADE RED

ELVIS Pham -

When the code "works" ... but everyone's afraid to touch it

If you’ve been coding long enough, you’ve probably had this moment:
You open a file, scroll a bit… scroll a little more… and suddenly your heart rate goes up.

Yes, the code technically works - but something feels off. Something feels risky.

And welcome to the RED ZONE of clean code.

We rarely say it out loud, but these "red flags" quietly drain everyone's energy. They create awkward code reviews, constant hesitation, and that universal fear of "please don't make me touch this file."

Let's look at what makes a codebase fell dangerous.

When a function turns into a Monster

God function

Ever open a file and find a function that's almost 300 lines long?

It calculates totals, validates input, queries the database, and even sends mails - all in one place.

A full God function.

You instantly hold your breath, because changing anything feels like poking a live wire without insulation.

Variable names so short you forget what they mean

Is this flag true because the user is active?

Is this `flag` true because the user is active?
Or because an item was archived?
Or because someone’s subscription expired?
Or because… the author just got tired of naming things?

We’ve all seen variables like `info`, `flag`.

Every time, you have to scroll up 10–20 lines just to guess what they stand for.
It’s like doing detective work instead of writing code.

Unclear names look harmless, but they quietly suck away mental energy day after day.

The nightmare of 4 - 5 nested Ifs (and no tests)

Another sign you’re deep in the Red zone: heavy nesting.

Four or five layers of if statements hiding the actual logic somewhere underneath.

You scroll up, down and wonder:

Where is the main logic? What is happening here?

And the worst part?

There are no tests.

So even if you want to clean things up, a tiny voice whispers:

Careful… you might break production.

At that point, you’re not just fighting bad code - you’re fighting stress, uncertainty, and fear.

The Red zone isn’t a dead end

Here’s the good news:

Being in the Red zone doesn’t mean you have to rewrite everything.

It simply tells you:

  • where improvements will have the biggest impact,
  • which areas cause the most pain,
  • where your cleanup journey should begin.

Think of the Red zone like a warning light on your dashboard.

It’s not there to scare you, it’s there to guide you.

References

Martin Fowler - Code Smells
Robert C. Martin - Clean Code
Refactoring Guru - Code Smells