Your favorite programs (to read)

ScionicSpectre · 2012-01-30 04:08:40

Hi, I'm pretty new to programming- only got proficient with Python about a year ago, learning C now just so I can contribute to more projects. I'm wondering what Python or C programs you have found most useful to read, whether because they were very clear, or they coded in a clever and minimalistic way. I'm just looking for a good program to use as an example for how to build infrastructure, since UIs are fairly obvious in nature to me (I'm a designer).

So, anything come to mind? I really just want to get my hands dirty and try to understand a good program inside and out.

moetunes · 2012-01-30 05:20:27

Here's two apps in c that do a similar thing. This one I think is clear and easy to follow and this one is clever and minimalistic. I have a bias and prefer simpler syntax and a clear layout especially when reading someone elses' code. Ultimately it comes down to what works for you.

ScionicSpectre · 2012-01-30 06:57:44

Clever code without good documentation is little better than obfuscated code, in my opinion. But a good step by step explanation can really improve your perspective on certain types of problems.

Thanks for the contribution. Maybe we could get these into a list of some kind if there are many more.

rz · 2012-01-31 11:09:05

you want to read everything by suckless!

filam · 2012-01-31 15:38:15

Excellent idea for a thread, ScionicSpectre. If you find any other resources I would certainly appreciate a link. After a quick search I have found at least two threads on Stack Overflow; Good code to read? and Code to read and learn from. The later discussion thread was considered a duplicate and closed, but make sure to check dmckee's comment below the original question.

Damnshock · 2012-01-31 16:11:41

rz wrote:

you want to read everything by suckless!

Fantastic link. A quick read at the monsterwm source was amazing

Thanks!

nomilieu · 2012-02-01 22:21:50

I sometimes read OpenBSD code when I'm really, really bored.

C. M. Harlequin · 2012-02-09 13:56:19

Although not specifically about coding, for general "What I wish I knew then" advice on getting into FOSS and contributing to code, I found this was a nice read:

http://open-advice.org/

demizer · 2012-02-11 07:46:30

For python, I like the cherrypy code. Clean and down to earth. For c, I have a number of favorite projects: evince, zlib, dwm, openbox, lua, libpeas, cogl, and clutter. Look on Browse github by language, look at the top projects and see how they are put together, but don't get discouraged! Some of the projects are daunting, absolutely massive, or have weird programming style. Just stick to your guns and look for the simple ones, when you are ready, go back and look at the really complex projects (V8 anyone?) and try to figure out the entry point and work you way from there. I would also highly recommend ack to help you find stuff in a source tree.

vwyodajl · 2012-02-11 08:30:23

@demizer thanks for bringing up ack, never used that before and just a couple quick tries without reading how to use it and it is very impressive!

Arch Linux

#1 2012-01-30 04:08:40

Your favorite programs (to read)

#2 2012-01-30 05:20:27

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#3 2012-01-30 06:57:44

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#4 2012-01-31 11:09:05

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#5 2012-01-31 15:38:15

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#6 2012-01-31 16:11:41

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#7 2012-02-01 22:21:50

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#8 2012-02-09 13:56:19

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#9 2012-02-11 07:46:30

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

#10 2012-02-11 08:30:23

Re: Your favorite programs (to read)

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