What Is Egyptian Brackets?

Egyptian brackets, also known as K&R C style, is an IT slang term used to describe a code layout convention employed by programmers. It refers to a specific arrangement of curly brackets used in coding. The opening bracket is placed at the end of a line, following a function name, arguments, or conditional statements. The closing bracket, on the other hand, is positioned on a separate line below the last line of code within the function. This creates a visual representation resembling an Egyptian hieroglyphic dancer, hence the term "Egyptian brackets." The origin of this coding style can be attributed to Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie, two prominent programmers who are often credited with pioneering this convention in the 1970s. Despite its nickname, it is essential to note that Egyptian brackets are not limited to the C programming language but can be observed in various programming languages. The choice of how to structure-function code, including the placement of curly brackets, is a topic of debate among programmers. While one might assume that placing both brackets on a single line with the code in between would be the more prevalent convention, it is more common for programmers to put each bracket on a separate line. This results in both brackets aligning to the far left of the screen. Critics of the Egyptian brackets style argue that it represents poor code layout and may contribute to readability issues. They suggest that using vertical space due to the separate lines for opening and closing brackets can lead to efficient use of screen real estate. Moreover, detractors claim that this style can make code harder to navigate, especially when dealing with functions containing a large amount of code. However, proponents of Egyptian brackets argue that this convention enhances code readability by providing a clear visual distinction between the function definition and its implementation. Separating the opening and closing brackets onto their own lines makes it easier to identify the boundaries of the function. This style helps quickly locate the beginning and end of a function when scrolling through lengthy code files. In addition to the aesthetic considerations, the choice of bracket placement can also be influenced by coding standards and personal preferences. Many programming teams and organizations have established coding guidelines that dictate the preferred style, including the placement of brackets. Consistency within a codebase is often prioritized to ensure maintainability and collaboration among developers. It is worth noting that using Egyptian brackets is not the only convention for bracket placement in coding. There are other popular styles, such as the Allman style, where both the opening and closing brackets are placed on separate lines, indented to align with the code inside the block. The One True Brace style also places the opening bracket at the end of the line, but the closing bracket is positioned on the same line as the last line of code.