More maintainable refers to the degree or level at which a system, software, program, or any other entity can be effectively managed, repaired, or modified with minimal effort, time, and cost over its lifespan. It implies the capability of a system to endure routine maintenance, updates, and enhancements without significant disruptions or negative consequences.
Maintainability is a crucial quality attribute in various domains, including software engineering, manufacturing, and infrastructure. A more maintainable system is one that possesses characteristics that simplify its maintenance, such as clear code architecture, modularity, documentation, and adherence to software engineering best practices. These factors contribute to reducing the complexity and increasing the comprehensibility of the system, making it easier to fix bugs, add new features, and adapt to changing requirements.
In the context of software development, a more maintainable codebase requires well-structured and self-explanatory code, consistent naming conventions, proper separation of concerns, and the absence of code smells or anti-patterns. It also necessitates the presence of automated tests, which provide confidence in making changes without introducing regressions.
Ultimately, a more maintainable system minimizes its total cost of ownership by reducing the effort and resources expended on maintenance activities. It enables developers and maintainers to efficiently understand and modify the system, improving its durability and sustainability throughout its lifecycle.
