Formatting Code

Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Scripting Guide

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Because scripts are written as plaintext files with the use of a simple text editor such as Notepad, you might not think that correctly formatting your scripts would be much of an issue; besides, Notepad does not provide you with many options for formatting text. However, while such things as font size and font color might be irrelevant when writing scripts, the way you format your scripts is still important. Although formatting does not affect the efficiency, robustness, or memory required to run a script, it can improve the ease with which others can read, understand, maintain, and modify the script.

Script formatting involves a number of important considerations, including the following:

• The use of white space. White space helps delineate the key sections on a page and provides relief for eyes easily strained by a page of otherwise solid text.
• The length of statements. Long lines, particularly those that scroll off the screen, are difficult to read and modify. Several different techniques can be employed to help limit the length of each line of code in your script.

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