As stated in the introduction, TODO
isn't a keyword, it's a
comment. Its exact meaning will depend on the local coding culture and
often individual programming style. For example, the Sun
Java programming conventions state:
10.5.4 Special Comments
Use XXX in a comment to flag something that is bogus but works. Use FIXME to flag something that is bogus and broken.
Already we've found a shocking new member of our TODO
set: XXX
!
I think it's clear, though, that the phrase TODO
in a comment indicates
something more is required. With any luck, the rest of the comment will
indicate exactly what that something is.
FIXME
often seems to be used interchangeably with TODO
but carries a
stronger suggestion that something is broken—if TODO
is a feature
request, then FIXME
is a defect report. Again, with luck, the rest of the
comment will explain what needs fixing.
Unfortunately the rest of the comment is often inadequate. Sometimes we'll find a bare:
// TODO
sometimes an initialled note-to-self:
// FIXME TAG
sometimes a plea for attention:
// TODO Fix this hack !!!
and sometimes even a garbled attempt to cover all bases:
// TODO FIXME XXX HACK
Of course, TODO
isn't meant to be pretty. The capital letters shout at the
reader, drawing attention to the deficiency. The noise will continue
until something gets done.
Copyright © 2004-2006 Thomas Guest |