<!--
title: prefer explicit readability
domain: orchestration
topic: Code Style
language: Python
source: docker/compose
updated: 2020-12-02
url: https://awesomereviewers.com/reviewers/compose-prefer-explicit-readability/
-->

Choose explicit, readable code constructs over "clever" or overly complex ones. Complex functional programming constructs, intricate ternary operators, and large list comprehensions can make code harder to understand and maintain.

**Prefer explicit conditionals:**
```python
# Instead of:
msg = not silent and 'Pulling' or None

# Use:
msg = 'Pulling' if not silent else None
```

**Avoid complex functional constructs when simpler alternatives exist:**
```python
# Instead of reduce() with mixed return types:
return reduce(combine_configs, configs + [None])

# Use explicit loops:
result = None
for config in configs:
    result = combine_configs(result, config)
return result
```

**Break down complex list comprehensions:**
```python
# Instead of nested, multi-line list comprehensions:
service_names = [
    service.name
    for service in self.services
    if 'profiles' not in service.options or [
        e for e in service.options.get('profiles')
        if e in enabled_profiles
    ]
]

# Extract to a clear method:
service_names = [
    service.name
    for service in self.services
    if service.enabled_for_profiles(enabled_profiles)
]
```

This approach makes code easier to debug, test, and understand for team members, reducing cognitive load during code reviews and maintenance.