Code written by many is often read by many. While readers expect a consistent style, achieving it can be challenging due to varying individual preferences and practices.
Inconsistencies can increase cognitive load, leading readers to misinterpret stylistic differences as variations in functionality or logic. Structure and form influence each other, and inconsistencies in form can lead to changes that disrupt the underlying structure.
To address inconsistencies, use coding style guides, linters, and formatters to enforce consistent rules whenever possible. Additionally, refactoring code to resolve inconsistencies helps maintain readability and reduce confusion. In his book _Tidy First?_, Kent Beck refers to these refactorings as normalizing symmetries ([[References#^7454b3|Beck, 2024]]).