In programming, what does it mean for code to be readable?

Readable code refers to the clarity and simplicity with which the code can be understood by humans. It emphasizes the importance of using meaningful variable names, proper indentation, and comments to explain complex logic. This practice not only aids the original author in understanding their own work later on but also allows others who may read the code to quickly grasp its purpose and functionality. Readability is vital for collaboration in a development team and for maintaining and updating code over time.

While other aspects like eliminating errors, optimizing runtime, or minimizing code length are important in programming, they do not directly address the core definition of readability. Code that is free of errors or runs faster may still be difficult to understand if it lacks clear structure or documentation. Similarly, code that is compact may not be readable if it sacrifices clarity for brevity. Thus, the essence of readability is rooted in comprehension and ease of understanding for anyone reviewing the code.