I prefer to use only the “<” less than operator when comparing numbers.
For example:
I prefer
while ( smaller < larger )
to
while ( larger > smaller )
Using only the ‘less than’ operator places the numbers in ‘number line order’. This natural order places smaller numbers on the left and larger numbers on the right. Which is the way grade schools students are introduced to numbers. This leads to a more natural, easier and faster way to write and read software code.
Advantages of Number line ordering:
Faster writing of code.
Knowing that the smaller number is always placed on the left makes the decision on which variable to write first. Always write the smaller number first.
Faster debugging of code.
This eliminates debugging issues where you write the incorrect operator. We have all written a comparison ‘backward’ and faced a debugging session that ends with a groan when we realized it. This just saves time, lots of it.
Faster reading of code.
The time to read and understand the statement
while ( value > min && value < max )is much longer than
while ( min < value && value < max )The reader is saved having to think about what is intend. The intent is quickly understood. In a very short time the reader knows the value must lay between ‘min’ and ‘max’. Once you get adjusted to this guideline it saves even more time.
Software construction and coding is difficult enough. It is necessary to make it as simple as possible and following this guideline is one very small step in making coding easier.
Sources:
Code Complete (First Edition) by Steve McConnell 1993 Microsoft Press Page 376. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_Complete