Program indentation and comprehensibility
Commun. ACM, 26 (11):
861--867 (1983)DOI: http://doi.acm.org/10.1145/182.358437
Abstract
The consensus in the programming community is that indentation
aids program comprehension, although many studies do not back this up. We
tested program comprehension on a Pascal program. Two styles of indentation
were used-blocked and nonblocked- in addition to four possible levels of
indentation (0, 2, 4, 6 spaces). Both experienced and novice subjects were
used. Although blocking style made no difference, the level of indentation
had a significant effect on program comprehension. (2-4 spaces had the
highest mean score for program comprehension.) We recommend that a moderate
level of indentation be used to increase program comprehension and user
satisfaction.