educational

Compression Versus Style

One of the least glamorous and most often overlooked factors in website design is code formatting — the layout, structure and syntax of the JavaScript, HTML or other commands that define a website or mobile app.

For the majority of developers relying on software tools such as Dreamweaver for code writing, code formatting is a function of the authoring application; sometimes, user customizations for font colors and faces, indenting and more may be available, but the appearance of the resulting code is ultimately up to the software producing it.

Fortunately, one simple solution to this problem is at hand for coders working in an internal production environment.

Developers that write code by hand have far more leeway, however; scribbling wild and free, often without consistent commenting, tabbed indentations, or other features that ease the production process — as well as ongoing code maintenance and updates.

While these two extremes can be startling in their diversity, the importance of code appearance is much more than aesthetic, especially when considering its distribution and longevity in the wild: for example, a snippet of code intended for personal use can be written any way that will function — while code that is intended for commercial (or free) distribution, where other developers will need to read, understand and edit it, should be as “clean,” commented and consistently formatted as possible.

The WordPress Codex (codex.wordpress.org) offers a formalized coding style guide for theme and plugin developers, containing recommended best practices for indentation, line spacing and more, with an emphasis on catering to the needs of other, future users.

Sadly, producing code such as a website theme to this specification doubles its size in comparison to more condensed approaches. This is demonstrable when running code through one of the many online formatting and optimizer services, where a large CSS file may have its file size halved, simply via the removal of tabs and extraneous white space.

Sure, it will load nearly twice as fast, speeding up your site, but when it comes time to edit that file, it may be much more difficult to find the relevant code portion to modify — a situation that will dramatically worsen when it’s compressed JavaScript you’re eying.

Fortunately, one simple solution to this problem is at hand for coders working in an internal production environment, where ease of maintenance and legacy protection is as important as small file sizes: have two copies of every file.

By developing and updating your code in well-commented and properly formatted chunks, using consistent line spacing, generous white-spacing and indents, and color keys for various sections — but then compressing those file’s structures before uploading, you will have the best of both worlds: fast, streamlined code that is easy to read and maintain.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
profile

WIA Profile: Salima

When Salima first entered the adult space in her mid-20s, becoming a power player wasn’t even on her radar. She was simply looking to learn. Over the years, however, her instinct for strategy, trust in her teams and commitment to creator-first innovation led her from the trade show floor to the executive suite.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

How the Interstate Obscenity Definition Act Could Impact Adult Businesses

Congress is considering a bill that would change the well-settled definition of obscenity and create extensive new risks for the adult industry. The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act, introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, makes a mockery of the First Amendment and should be roundly rejected.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

What US Sites Need to Know About UK's Online Safety Act

In a high-risk space like the adult industry, overlooking or ignoring ever-changing rules and regulations can cost you dearly. In the United Kingdom, significant change has now arrived in the form of the Online Safety Act — and failure to comply with its requirements could cost merchants millions of dollars in fines.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Understanding the MATCH List and How to Avoid Getting Blacklisted

Business is booming, sales are steady and your customer base is growing. Everything seems to be running smoothly — until suddenly, Stripe pulls the plug. With one cold, automated email, your payment processing is shut down. No warning, no explanation.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
Show More