Readability: Google's Temple to Engineering Excellence

The article discusses Google's unique readability process, where every code change requires approval from a maintainer and someone with readability knowledge. This system, shaping the tech industry's coding standards, involves submitting code for review by a readability mentor to ensure adherence to language conventions and best practices. While some find this process bureaucratic, many see its value in improving engineers' skills and maintaining code quality. The article also delves into the cultural significance of readability at Google, highlighting its role in fostering global code consistency. The author reflects on their experience as a readability mentor, emphasizing the value of mentorship in enhancing code review efficiency and overall engineering excellence. The article concludes by questioning the applicability of Google's readability process outside the company and proposes a lighter version, "Readability Lite," focusing on mentoring engineers and setting a bar for code quality without imposing strict programmatic enforcement.