How to Check Magento 2 Coding Standards Using Code Sniffer

Understanding codes is not an easy task, and this becomes quite difficult when every person uses a different pattern of writing code. Using difficult codes makes it difficult for reading and also at the time of modifying and developing the code.

Therefore, rules need to be followed to define code standards and also to improve the readability of the code.

What is Coding Standard?

It refers to a set of rules that are used to keep a check on the coding of a program that every programmer must follow while working on any project. Based on the project, there are various standards.

The PHP of Magento 2 coding standards keep an eye for:

• PSR-1 and PSR-2 fulfillment
• Timid functions
• Unsecured output
• Low PHP functions
• PHP code syntax
• Naming convention
• Unfilled code blocks
• Poor exception handling

Running the module through the Magento coding standards scans for the above-mentioned issues and lists them. Overall, the general idea of the Magento 2 coding standard is to make the code more clean, readable, and self-explanatory.

Now, let’s learn to check the code quality of the module as per the Magento 2 coding standards.

How to Check Magento 2 Coding Standards Using Code Sniffer?

Magento allows using the PHP Code Sniffer to check the quality of the codes in Magento modules. It comes installed in Magento 2 by default.

To check Magento coding standards using Sniffer, you have to replicate the Magento 2 coding standard tool.

Let’s talk about PHP Code Sniffer.

What is the PHP Code Sniffer?

PHP Code Sniffer is quite important tool for programmers to keep a check on coding rules to make sure that their code is clean and easy to use.

The Code sniffer includes 2 major scripts:

• The phpcs script is one of the main scripts that encodes PHP, Javascript, and CSS files to check coding principle violations.
• Phpcbf allows automatically fixing parts of code that breach the coding convention standards.

Install Magento 2 Using the Coding Standard

Step: 1 Install in the Magento Directory

Go to the Magento directory, and install it by given composer below:

(composer require — dev Magento/ Magento- coding standard)

Once the download is done, use composer installation from the unachieved directory.

Step: 2 Working

Go to the coding standard directory, use the given code

{bin/phpcs [path to Magento Module]  — standard = magento2  — severity= 10}

• All modules given to Magento Marketplace are automatically tested against the severity level.
• If you choose a low severity level, all the issues that are occurring at this level or higher levels will be automatically checked.
• Some issues can be easily fixed automatically using phpcbf, just by running the following command:

Some Key Points Developers Need to Take Care of in Coding

1. Writing Clean Code by Decreasing Code Redundancy

Various developers write codes for the functions most of the time. Anyone can write a function containing the disused code and use it when required. This will be very helpful in maintaining the code as you don’t have to change the code at all the places where you have used it. You just have to change a function or class.

Code can be shown as good and its uses can be increased by writing generic codes. Various developers write code, especially for functionality One of the developers can easily refurbish the code and make it useful put into a function, wherever it is needed.

2. Caching a Crucial Functionality

Caching is one of the important functionality Magento provides. It helps in speeding up the site by loading content from the cache. But it also has some disadvantages. If a developer couldn’t notice it or maybe forget to clean the cache, then it may create confusion.

Many ways are using which a developer can easily modify the code and then go to the browser to see if the code works. But, if he forgets to clean the cache, then he may not see any difference despite making changes in the code.

3. Helper Classes

It contains specific and fixed methods for specific classes, which cannot be used in other classes. Sometimes it includes various functions for different issues, which is not a good approach for object-oriented code. A code should be written in a manner that includes appropriate methods for that class.

4. Working on Layout

Whenever any developer works on the layout, it is considered the best practice to increase the layout which includes modifications related to requirements. If developers need more customization in layout at that time, an increase in layout is not a good option. In that case, overruling that layout is a good option.

5. Working with Observer

It keeps the ability to change the Magento application, as they are inserted vigorously into the working flow of the Magento code, issues like instability of the code can occur if the observer overriding is not done wisely.

To run your observer smoothly in your Magento application, given below operations can be done:

• Difficult writing should be avoided in the code
• The logic included in the observer should be useful
• The position of the observer plays an important role in showing the efficiency of the observer
• Reference order in the observer should be avoided

CONCLUSION

From the above-given points and codes, we hope you get to know about the Magento 2 coding standards. If you still have any issues, you can hire professionals offering the best custom eCommerce solutions