Stop Writing Ugly Python Code! 7 Refactoring Tricks to Make It Beautiful

Turn messy Python code into clean, elegant magic!

Stop Writing Ugly Python Code! 7 Refactoring Tricks to Make It Beautiful

We’ve all seen it — Python code that works but is a nightmare to read. Messy functions, duplicated logic, and confusing variable names make debugging a painful experience.

Writing clean, readable, and maintainable Python isn’t just about style; it’s about efficiency, collaboration, and long-term sanity.

In this article, we’ll explore seven powerful refactoring tricks to transform your code from ugly to beautiful. Let’s dive in!

1. Replace Magic Numbers with Constants

Hardcoded numbers scattered throughout your code make it difficult to understand and modify later. Instead, define constants with meaningful names.

Ugly Code:

def calculate_discount(price): 
    return price * 0.1  # What does 0.1 represent?

Refactored Code:

DISCOUNT_RATE = 0.1   
 
def calculate_discount(price): 
    return price * DISCOUNT_RATE

Now, it’s clear what 0.1 represents and easy to update if needed.

2. Use Descriptive Variable and Function Names

Short or vague names make code harder to understand. A function named calc() doesn’t tell us much.

Ugly Code:

def calc(a, b): 
    return a * b

Refactored Code:

def calculate_area(width, height): 
    return width * height

This is more readable and self-explanatory!

3. Remove Duplicate Code with Functions

If you find yourself copying and pasting similar logic, refactor it into a reusable function.

Ugly Code:

area1 = 10 * 5   
area2 = 8 * 6

Refactored Code:

def calculate_area(width, height): 
    return width * height   
 
area1 = calculate_area(10, 5)   
area2 = calculate_area(8, 6)

DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle in action!

4. Use List Comprehensions Instead of Loops

List comprehensions make your code more concise and Pythonic.

Ugly Code:

squared_numbers = []   
for num in range(10): 
    squared_numbers.append(num ** 2)

Refactored Code:

squared_numbers = [num ** 2 for num in range(10)]

5. Use enumerate() Instead of range(len(...))

When looping over lists with indices, enumerate() is cleaner than manually tracking indexes.

Ugly Code:

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"] 
for i in range(len(fruits)): 
    print(f"{i}: {fruits[i]}")

Refactored Code:

fruits = ["apple", "banana", "cherry"] 
for index, fruit in enumerate(fruits): 
    print(f"{index}: {fruit}")

6. Use zip() for Parallel Iteration

When iterating over multiple lists, zip() removes the need for index tracking.

Ugly Code:

names = ["Aashish", "John", "Sam"] 
ages = [25, 30, 35] 
for i in range(len(names)): 
    print(f"{names[i]} is {ages[i]} years old.")

Refactored Code:

names = ["Aashish", "John", "Sam"] 
for name, age in zip(names, ages): 
    print(f"{name} is {age} years old.")

This is cleaner, more Pythonic iteration!

7. Use with Statement for File Handling

Always use with open() to handle files to avoid forgetting to close them.

Ugly Code:

file = open("data.txt", "r") 
content = file.read() 
file.close()  # Risk of forgetting this!

Refactored Code:

with open("data.txt", "r") as file: 
    content = file.read()

This ensures the file is properly closed automatically!

Final Thoughts

Refactoring is an essential skill for writing clean and maintainable Python code. By applying these seven tricks, you’ll make your code more readable, efficient, and professional.

Which refactoring trick do you use the most? Let me know in the comments!

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