Abstract
Programming style guidelines, style analyzers, and code formatters
have been developed without a solid empirical or theoretical basis.
In this paper we provide: (1) a justification for developing a
programming style taxonomy, (2) an operational style taxonomy,
(3) example applications of the taxonomy illustrating the diverse
and sometimes contradictory nature of programming style guidelines,
and (4) a discussion on how the taxonomy can be used to further
teaching and research in programming style. The taxonomy provides
a context for understanding and identifying specific style factors
and empirical studies necessary to determine the effects of style
on program comprehension. The results of this paper have a direct
impact on programming instruction, programming standards, auto-
mated style analyzers, and code formatting tools like pretty-
printers and syntax directed editors.