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Project Layout

Project layout refers to the arrangement of files, folders, and other resources within a project. A well-designed project layout can improve the organization, readability, and maintainability of the project's codebase.

1. Category

The project layout can be divided into several categories, depending on the type of project, its size, and its complexity.

1.1. File Types

1.1.1. Source Code

Source files contain the actual source code of the project. They are typically written in a programming language such as C, Python, Java, etc.

Source code files usually have file extensions that match the programming language, such as:

  • .c
  • .py
  • .java
  • .go

1.1.2. Header

Header files typically contain function prototypes and definitions of constants and variables used in the source code files.

They are usually written in the same programming language as the source code files and have file extensions such as:

  • .h
  • .hpp

1.1.3. Build

Files used to build the project, including makefiles, build scripts, and build configuration files. Build files are typically used to automate the build process and ensure that the project is built consistently across different environments.

NOTE See build systems for details.

  • Makefile
  • CMakeLists.txt
  • .gradle

1.1.4. Documentation

These files contain documentation for the project, including user manuals, API documentation, and other information about the project.

NOTE See docs as code and static site generators for details.

Documentation files can be written in various formats:

  • .md
  • .rst
  • .html

1.1.5. Test

These files contain tests for the project, including unit tests, integration tests, and other types of tests.

Test files are typically written in the same programming language as the source code files and have appendix bevor file extensions such as:

  • _test

1.1.6. Data

These files contain data used by the project, such as configuration files, input files, and output files.

Data files can be written in various formats:

  • .csv
  • .json
  • .xml

1.1.7. Resource

These files contain resources used by the project, such as images, icons, and other assets.

Resource files can be written in various formats:

  • .png
  • .jpg
  • .svg
  • .csv

1.1.8. Log

These files contain logs generated by the project, including error logs, access logs, and other types of logs.

Log files can be written in various formats:

  • .log
  • .txt

1.1.9. Configuration

These files contain configuration settings for the project, such as environment variables, database connection strings, and other settings that are necessary for the project to run correctly.

NOTE See data serialization formats for details.

Configuration files can be written in various formats:

  • .env

    This is a file format used to store environment variables that are used by a software application or system. Environment variables are variables that are set in the operating system's environment and are accessible by programs running on the system. .env files are often used in web applications to store sensitive information such as database credentials or API keys. The file typically contains a list of key-value pairs in the format KEY=VALUE, with each pair on a separate line.

Example:

# Example .env file

DB_HOST=localhost
DB_PORT=5432
DB_NAME=mydatabase
DB_USER=myusername
DB_PASSWORD=mypassword
  • .json

    JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data serialization format that is commonly used for transmitting data between a web server and a client-side application. JSON is easy for humans to read and write, and easy for machines to parse and generate. JSON is often used to store configuration data, such as database connection strings, or to transmit data between different components of a software system. JSON files consist of key-value pairs in a hierarchical structure.

Example:

{
  "database": {
    "host": "localhost",
    "port": 5432,
    "name": "mydatabase",
    "user": "myusername",
    "password": "mypassword"
  }
}
  • .yaml

    YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language) is a data serialization format that is designed to be human-readable and easy to parse. YAML is often used to store configuration data, such as settings for a web application or a deployment pipeline. YAML is similar to JSON in many ways, but has some additional features such as support for comments and the ability to reference other parts of the document. YAML files consist of key-value pairs in a hierarchical structure.

Example:

# Example YAML file

database:
  host: localhost
  port: 5432
  name: mydatabase
  user: myusername
  password: mypassword
  • .ini

    INI files are a simple text-based format for storing configuration data. INI files typically contain a series of sections, each of which contains a set of key-value pairs. INI files are widely used on Windows systems, where they are used to store configuration data for applications and system settings. INI files are also used in some Linux-based systems for storing configuration data for applications. While INI files are simple and easy to use, they have limited support for more complex data structures and are not well-suited for storing large amounts of data.

Example:

; Example INI file

[database]
host=localhost
port=5432
name=mydatabase
user=myusername
password=mypassword

1.1.10. Script

These are files that contain scripts used by the project.

  • .sh

Script files written in the Bash scripting language, which is commonly used in Unix-based operating systems (such as Linux and macOS) to automate tasks and run shell commands. Bash scripts can be used to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as setting environment variables, running system commands, and automating file operations.

  • .py

Python is a high-level, interpreted language. Python scripts can be used to automate tasks, manipulate data, and create complex software applications.

NOTE Bash and Python scripts can be executed from the command line, typically by running a command that specifies the path to the script file. For example, to run a Bash script named myscript.sh, type ./myscript.sh in the terminal, assuming that the script file is located in the current working directory. Similarly, to run a Python script named myscript.py, type python myscript.py in the terminal.

1.1.11. Library

These file extensions are related to libraries, which are collections of pre-compiled code that can be linked into a program during the build process.

  • .a

    These are static libraries in Unix-based systems (such as Linux or macOS). They contain pre-compiled object code that can be linked into a program at compile time. When a program is built, the linker copies the relevant object code from the .a file into the final executable.

  • .so

    These are shared libraries in Unix-based systems. They contain pre-compiled object code that can be loaded into memory at run-time. Shared libraries allow multiple programs to share the same code in memory, which can save memory and disk space. When a program is built, it links to the shared library, and the library is loaded when the program is run.

  • .dll

    These are dynamic link libraries in Windows-based systems. They are similar to shared libraries in Unix-based systems, in that they contain pre-compiled object code that can be loaded into memory at run-time. Like shared libraries, they allow multiple programs to share the same code in memory. When a program is built, it links to the .dll file, and the library is loaded when the program is run. .dll files are used in Windows-based systems, whereas Unix-based systems use .so files.

1.2. Directory Types

The categories of files and folders that can be included in a project layout, depending on the nature of the project and the tools being used. These categories can be combined and nested in various ways to create a project layout that best suits.

1.2.1. Source Code

This category includes all the files that contain the actual code for the project, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, Java, or any other programming language files.

  • /src

    This includes all the files related to the code that runs the project, such as scripts, libraries, and configuration files.

Example:

project/
├── src/
│   ├── main.py
│   ├── module1.py
│   └── module2.py
  • /internal

    This directory contains the internal source code of the project, organized into modules or components. The internal folder can be structured similarly to the /src folder, with sub-folders for each package.

Example:

project/
├── internal/
│   ├── package1/
│   │   ├── file1.go
│   │   └── file2.go
│   └── package2/
│       ├── file1.go
│       └── file2.go

1.2.2. Documentation

  • /docs

    This includes any documentation related to the project, such as user guides, API documentation, and technical specifications.

Example:

project/
├── docs/
│   ├── adr/
│   ├── user_manual.pdf
│   └── technical_specifications.md

1.2.3. Tests

  • /test

    This includes all the files related to testing the project, such as unit tests, integration tests, or any other type of tests.

Example:

project/
├── tests/
│   ├── main_test.py
│   ├── module1_test.py
│   └── module2_test.py

1.2.4. Configuration

  • /config

    This includes any files that configure the project environment or settings, such as configuration files for a web server, database settings, or other system settings.

Example:

project/
├── config/
│   ├── config.ini
│   └── logging.conf

1.2.5. Resources

The project resources category is used for files and folders that provide support for the project development process, but are not directly part of the project source code or documentation.

  • /assets

    This includes any non-code assets used by the project, such as images, icons, or other multimedia resources.

Example:

project/
├── assets/
│   ├── images/
│   │   ├── logo.png
│   │   └── background.jpg
│   └── icons/
│       ├── icon1.svg
│       └── icon2.svg
  • /tools

    This directory contains various tools or utilities used in the development process, such as linters, formatters, or IDE plugins.

Example:

project/
├── tools/
│   ├── devops/
│   └── generator/
  • /scripts

    This includes any files or scripts used to build and package the project, such as build scripts, installers, or deployment scripts. Further, this directory contains various scripts that automate tasks related to the project.

Example:

project/
├── scripts/
│   ├── setup.sh
│   ├── install.sh
│   ├── build_pipeline.sh
│   └── deploy_pipeline.sh

1.2.6. Data

  • /data

    This includes any data files used by the project, such as datasets, images, and audio or video files.

Example:

project/
├── data/
│   ├── datasets1.csv
│   └── datasets2.csv
  • /db

    This folder contains any database-related files used by the project, such as SQL scripts or database configuration files.

Example:

  project/
  ├── db/
  │   ├── schema/
  │   ├── quere/
  │   ├── migration/
  │   ├── sql/

1.2.7. Libraries

This category includes any external libraries or dependencies that are required for the project, such as jQuery, Bootstrap, or React.

  • /external

    This includes any third-party libraries or tools used by the project, such as dependencies managed by a package manager.

Example:

project/
├── external/
│   ├── lodash/
│   │   └── lodash.go
│   ├── library2/
│   │   └── ...
  • /lib

    This includes any compiled or packaged files generated by the project, such as executables, shared libraries, or distribution archives.

Example:

project/
├── lib/
│   └── library1/
│       └── libproject.a

1.2.8. Artifacts

  • /build

    This folder contains all the build artifacts created during the build and deployment process, such as compiled binaries, packaged code, and deployment artifacts. These artifacts may be stored here temporarily before being deployed to a production environment.

Example:

project/
├── build/
│   ├── binary/
│   │   ├── app-linux-amd64
│   │   ├── app-windows-amd64.exe
│   │   └── app-darwin-amd64
│   ├── library/
│   │   ├── liblinux-amd64.a
│   │   ├── windows-amd64.dll
│   │   └── app-darwin-amd64
│   ├── deployment-packages/

1.3. Structure Types

There are several types of project layout structures that can be used, depending on the nature of the project and the preferences of the development team. These structure types can be combined and customized in various ways to create a project layout that best suits. It's important to choose a structure that is both functional and maintainable over time.

1.3.1. Flat Structure

In a flat structure, all the files and folders are placed in the root directory, without any subdirectories.

This structure is typically used for small projects that don't require much organization or separation of concerns.

/project
├── file1.js
├── file2.js
├── file3.js
└── main.js

Example:

project/
├── component1.js
├── component2.js
├── service1.js
├── service2.js
├── util1.js
├── util2.js
├── image1.png
├── image2.png
├── style1.css
├── style2.css
├── webpack.config.js
├── database.config.js
├── subcomponent1.test.js
├── subcomponent2.test.js
├── README.md
├── API.md
├── .gitignore
├── LICENSE
└── ...

In the example, the project directory contains all project files in a flat structure without any subdirectories. All components, services, utilities, assets, configuration files, test files, and documentation files are placed directly in the root directory of the project.

1.3.2. Hierarchical Structure

In a hierarchical structure, files and folders are organized into a tree-like structure, with subdirectories that represent different levels of abstraction in the project.

The hierarchical structure allows for greater organization and separation of concerns, which can make it easier to manage and scale a project as it grows in size and complexity. The hierarchical structure organizes project resources based on their functional or logical relationships, making it easier to navigate and understand the project's structure. However, it can also be more challenging to navigate and understand for new contributors to the project.

Hierarchical structure promotes modularity, reusability, and maintainability by separating components, services, utilities, and test files into distinct directories.

/project
├── /src
│   ├── /app
│   │   ├── server.js
│   │   └── server.test.js
│   ├── /controllers
│   │   ├── file1.js
│   │   ├── file2.js
│   │   └── file3.test.js
│   ├── /models
│   │   ├── file4.js
│   │   ├── file5.js
│   │   └── file6.test.js
│   └── /routes
│       ├── file7.js
│       ├── file8.js
│       └── file9.test.js
│
├── /test
│   ├── integration.test.js
│   └── e2e.test.js
│
├── /config
│   ├── config1.js
│   └── config2.js

Example:

project/
. `Hierarchical Structure`
├── src/
│   ├── components/
│   │   ├── component1.js
│   │   ├── component2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── services/
│   │   ├── service1.js
│   │   ├── service2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── utils/
│   │   ├── util1.js
│   │   ├── util2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   └── index.js
│
├── config/
│   ├── webpack.config.js
│   ├── database.config.js
│   └── ...
│
├── tests/
│   ├── components/
│   │   ├── component1.test.js
│   │   ├── component2.test.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── services/
│   │   ├── service1.test.js
│   │   ├── service2.test.js
│   │   └── ...
│   └── utils/
│       ├── util1.test.js
│       ├── util2.test.js
│       └── ...
│
├── docs/
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── API.md
│   └── ...
│
├── assets/
│   ├── images/
│   │   ├── image1.png
│   │   ├── image2.png
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── styles/
│   │   ├── style1.css
│   │   ├── style2.css
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
│
├── .gitignore
├── LICENSE
└── ...

In the example, the project directory contains various subdirectories organized in a hierarchical structure:

  • The src/ directory contains the main source code files.
  • The components/ directory holds subdirectories for each component, with further subdirectories for their respective subcomponents.
  • The services/ directory contains subdirectories for each service, with further subdirectories for their respective submodules.
  • The utils/ directory includes utility files.
  • The config/ directory contains configuration files for the project, such as webpack and database configurations.
  • The tests/ directory mirrors the structure of the src/ directory, with separate subdirectories for components, services, and corresponding test files for subcomponents and submodules.
  • The docs/ directory holds project documentation, including a README.md file, an API.md file, and potentially other documentation files.
  • The assets/ directory consists of subdirectories for images, stylesheets, and other project-related assets.
  • The root directory also includes files like .gitignore, LICENSE, and other project-specific files.

1.3.3. Modular Structure

A modular structure organizes files and folders into modules, which are self-contained units of code that can be imported and used in other parts of the project. The modular structure allows for better organization and separation of concerns, making it easier to maintain and expand the project over time. Each module can be developed and tested separately, and changes to one module are less likely to affect other parts of the project.

The modular structure helps in organizing the project's codebase into logical units, promoting reusability, maintainability, and testability. This structure is useful for medium-sized projects with multiple components that have distinct responsibilities and functionality.

/project
├── /module1
│   ├── file1.js
│   ├── file2.js
│   └── file3.test.js
│
├── /module2
│   ├── file4.js
│   ├── file5.js
│   └── file6.test.js
│
├── /module3
│   ├── file7.js
│   ├── file8.js
│   └── file9.test.js
│
└── main.js

Example:

project/
├── src/
│   . `Modular Structure`
│   ├── module1/
│   │   ├── components/
│   │   │   ├── component1.js
│   │   │   ├── component2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── services/
│   │   │   ├── service1.js
│   │   │   ├── service2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── utils/
│   │   │   ├── util1.js
│   │   │   ├── util2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── index.js
│   │
│   ├── module2/
│   │   ├── components/
│   │   │   ├── component1.js
│   │   │   ├── component2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── services/
│   │   │   ├── service1.js
│   │   │   ├── service2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── utils/
│   │   │   ├── util1.js
│   │   │   ├── util2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   │
│   │   └── index.js
│   │
│   └── main.js
│
├── tests/
│   ├── module1/
│   │   ├── components/
│   │   │   ├── component1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── component2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── services/
│   │   │   ├── service1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── service2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── utils/
│   │       ├── util1.test.js
│   │       ├── util2.test.js
│   │       └── ...
│   │
│   ├── module2/
│   │   ├── components/
│   │   │   ├── component1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── component2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── services/
│   │   │   ├── service1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── service2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── utils/
│   │       ├── util1.test.js
│   │       ├── util2.test.js
│   │       └── ...
│   └── main.test.js
│
├── docs/
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── API.md
│   └── ...
│
├── config/
│   ├── webpack.config.js
│   ├── database.config.js
│   └── ...
│
├── assets/
│   ├── images/
│   │   ├── image1.png
│   │   ├── image2.png
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── styles/
│   │   ├── style1.css
│   │   ├── style2.css
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
│
├── .gitignore
├── LICENSE
└── ...

In the example, the project directory contains various subdirectories representing different aspects of the project:

  • The src/ directory contains modules (module1 and module2), each with their own set of components, services, utilities, and an index.js file.
  • The tests/ directory mirrors the src/ directory structure, with corresponding test files for each module component, service, and utility.
  • The docs/ directory holds project documentation, including a README.md file and an API.md file.
  • The config/ directory contains configuration files for the project, such as webpack configuration and database configuration.
  • The assets/ directory includes subdirectories for images, stylesheets, and other project-related assets.
  • The packages/ directory represents external packages or libraries used in the project.
  • The root directory also contains files like .gitignore, LICENSE, and other project-specific files.

1.3.4. Layered Structure

In a layered structure, files and folders are organized into layers or tiers that represent different levels of abstraction in the project. The layered structure helps in organizing the project codebase based on different responsibilities and concerns, promoting separation of concerns, modularity, and testability. Each layer focuses on specific aspects of the application, making it easier to understand and maintain the code.

This structure is used for larger projects that require more organization and separation of concerns, and is often used in enterprise-level applications. The layered structure allows for a high degree of separation of concerns and modularity, which can make it easier to manage and scale a large, complex project. However, it can also be more challenging to navigate and understand for new contributors to the project.

/project
├── /presentation
│   ├── /controllers
│   │   ├── file1.js
│   │   └── file2.js
│   ├── /views
│   │   ├── file3.js
│   │   └── file4.js
│   └── /templates
│       ├── file5.js
│       └── file6.js
│
├── /application
│   ├── /services
│   │   ├── file7.js
│   │   ├── file8.js
│   │   └── file9.test.js
│   ├── /usecases
│   │   ├── file10.js
│   │   ├── file11.js
│   │   └── file12.test.js
│   └── /repositories
│       ├── file13.js
│       └── file14.test.js
│
├── /domain
│   ├── /entities
│   │   ├── file15.js
│   │   └── file16.js
│   ├── /objects
│   │   ├── file17.js
│   │   └── file18.js

Example:

project/
. `Layered Structure`
├── presentation/
│   ├── components/
│   │   ├── component1.js
│   │   ├── component2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── screens/
│   │   ├── screen1.js
│   │   ├── screen2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── styles/
│   │   ├── style1.css
│   │   ├── style2.css
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
│
├── domain/
│   ├── models/
│   │   ├── model1.js
│   │   ├── model2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── services/
│   │   ├── service1.js
│   │   ├── service2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── repositories/
│   │   ├── repository1.js
│   │   ├── repository2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
│
├── infrastructure/
│   ├── database/
│   │   ├── dbConnection.js
│   │   ├── models/
│   │   │   ├── model1Schema.js
│   │   │   ├── model2Schema.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── migrations/
│   │   │   ├── migration1.js
│   │   │   ├── migration2.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── externalAPIs/
│   │   ├── api1.js
│   │   ├── api2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── services/
│   │   ├── service1.js
│   │   ├── service2.js
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
│
├── tests/
│   ├── presentation/
│   │   ├── components/
│   │   │   ├── component1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── component2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── screens/
│   │   │   ├── screen1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── screen2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── ...
│   ├── domain/
│   │   ├── models/
│   │   │   ├── model1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── model2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── services/
│   │   │   ├── service1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── service2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   ├── repositories/
│   │   │   ├── repository1.test.js
│   │   │   ├── repository2.test.js
│   │   │   └── ...
│   │   └── ...
│   └── ...
│
├── docs/
│   ├── README.md
│   ├── API.md
│   └── ...
│
├── .gitignore
├── LICENSE
└── ...

In the example, the project directory contains various subdirectories organized in a layered structure:

  • The presentation/ directory represents the presentation layer, responsible for user interface components, screens, and styles.
  • The components/ directory holds individual component files.
  • The screens/ directory contains files representing different screens of the application.

  • The styles/ directory holds CSS or styling files specific to the presentation layer.

  • The domain/ directory represents the domain layer, which encapsulates the business logic and models of the application.

  • The models/ directory includes files representing domain models.
  • The services/ directory contains files representing domain services.

  • The repositories/ directory holds files representing data repositories or data access objects (DAOs).

  • The infrastructure/ directory represents the infrastructure layer, which includes code related to databases, external APIs, and other infrastructure-related concerns.

  • The database/ directory contains files related to database connectivity, schema models, and migrations.
  • The externalAPIs/ directory holds files representing integrations with external APIs.

  • The services/ directory includes files representing infrastructure-specific services.

  • The tests/ directory mirrors the structure of the respective layers, with separate subdirectories for presentation, domain, and infrastructure tests.

  • The docs/ directory contains project documentation, including a README.md file, an API.md file, and potentially other documentation files.

  • The root directory also includes files like .gitignore, LICENSE, and other project-specific files.

1.3.5. Component-based Structure

The component-based structure promotes reusability, separation of concerns, and modularity by organizing the codebase around components and their related files. It makes it easier to locate and manage components, pages, services, and other project resources.

/src
├── /io
│   ├── io.h
│   ├── io.c
│   └── io_test.c
├── /math
│   ├── math.h
│   ├── math.c
│   └── math_test.c
├── /utils
│   ├── utils.h
│   ├── utils.c
│   └── utils_test.c

1.3.6. Functional-based Structure

The function-based structure organizes the codebase around individual functions and features, making it easier to locate and manage specific functionality. It promotes modularity, testability, and the ability to focus on individual functions or features within the project.

/src
├── /utils
│   ├── io.h
│   ├── io.c
│   ├── io_test.c
│   ├── math.h
│   ├── math.c
│   ├── math_test.c
│   ├── utils.h
│   ├── utils.c
│   └── utils_test.c

1.3.7. Task-based Structure

The task-based structure organizes the project's codebase and resources around specific tasks or functionalities, making it easier to locate and manage task-specific files. It promotes modularity, testability, and the ability to focus on individual tasks within the project.

/src
├── /read
│   ├── read.h
│   ├── read.c
│   └── read_test.c
├── /process
│   ├── process.h
│   ├── process.c
│   └── process_test.c
├── /write 
│   ├── write.h
│   ├── write.c
│   └── write_test.c

2. Principle

A project layout should be designed with the needs of the development team and the project in mind. The layout should be easy to understand, consistent, and well-documented, and should facilitate collaboration and efficient development practices.

  • Simplicity

    A good project layout should be simple and easy to understand. The layout should be easy to navigate and should not require users to have an in-depth understanding of the project's inner workings.

  • Consistency

    The layout should be consistent across all files and directories. This makes it easier for users to find what they are looking for and reduces confusion.

  • Modularity

    The layout should be modular, with each directory containing files that are related to a specific aspect of the project. This makes it easier to maintain and update the project, as changes can be made to a specific module without affecting the entire project.

  • Scalability

    The layout should be scalable, meaning that it can be easily adapted to accommodate new features or functionality as the project grows.

  • Flexibility

    The layout should be flexible enough to accommodate different development workflows and methodologies. For example, if the team uses a specific build system or testing framework, the project layout should be able to accommodate these tools.

  • Documentation

    The project layout should be well-documented, with clear explanations of each directory and file. This makes it easier for new team members to get up to speed quickly and reduces confusion.

  • Compatibility

    The layout should be compatible with the tools and systems used by the team. For example, if the team uses Git for version control, the layout should be compatible with Git's file structure and branching model.

3. Best Practice

By following these best practices, developers can create a project layout that is easy to manage and maintain, and that facilitates efficient development practices.

  • Use a standard directory structure

    Use a standard directory structure that is commonly used in the programming community. This makes it easier for other developers to understand the layout of the project and find the files they need.

  • Keep the layout simple

    The project layout should be simple and easy to understand. Avoid overly complex directory structures that may confuse developers.

  • Separate source code from build artifacts

    Keep source code in a separate directory from build artifacts, such as object files and executables. This makes it easier to clean the build directory without affecting the source code.

  • Use descriptive names

    Use descriptive names that accurately reflect the contents of each directory and file. Consistent naming makes it easier for team members to find what they are looking for and reduces confusion.

  • Use version control

    Use a version control system like Git to manage the project. This makes it easier to track changes, collaborate with other developers, and revert changes if necessary.

  • Document the layout

    Document the project layout in a README file or other documentation. This makes it easier for other developers to understand the layout and find the files they need.

  • Include a clear README file

    Include a clear README file in the root directory that provides an overview of the project and instructions for building and running it. This makes it easier to get up quickly.

  • Be consistent

    Be consistent with naming conventions, file organization, and directory structure throughout the project. This makes it easier for developers to find files and understand the layout.

  • Use modular design

    Use a modular design to separate different aspects of the project. This makes it easier to manage and maintain the project, and allows for easier testing and debugging.

  • Keep third-party dependencies in a separate directory

    Store third-party dependencies in a separate directory, such as /external or /vendor. This makes it easier to manage dependencies and avoid version conflicts.

  • Include tests

    Store tests in a separate directory, such as /tests. This makes it easier to run tests and ensure that the project functions as expected.

  • Use relative paths

    Use relative paths when referencing files and directories within the project. This makes it easier to move the project to a different directory or system without breaking file references.

  • Minimize the number of directories

    Use the minimum number of directories needed to organize the project. Too many directories can make it difficult to navigate and understand the project.

  • Keep the layout flexible

    Keep the project layout flexible enough to accommodate changes and updates over time. Don't be afraid to make changes to the layout as needed to improve organization and efficiency.

4. Terminology

Terminologies are used to describe the various components of a project layout and are important to understand when working on a software development project.

  • Directory

    A directory is a folder or container that holds files and other directories.

  • File

    A file is a collection of data that is stored in a directory. Files can be text, code, images, or any other type of data.

  • Root directory

    The root directory is the top-level directory in a file system. In Unix-based systems, the root directory is denoted by a forward slash (/).

  • Source code

    Source code is the human-readable code that is written by developers to create software applications.

  • Header file

    A header file is a file that contains function and variable declarations that are used in the source code.

  • Build artifacts

    Build artifacts are the files that are generated during the build process. These can include object files, executables, and libraries.

  • Test code

    Test code is code that is written to test the functionality of the software application.

  • Documentation

    Documentation is written material that explains how the software application works, how to use it, and how to troubleshoot any issues.

  • Dependency

    A dependency is a library or other software component that is required for the software application to run.

  • Configuration

    Configuration files are files that contain settings and parameters that are used to configure the software application.

  • Module

    A module is a self-contained unit of code that can be reused across multiple projects.

  • Package

    A package is a collection of related modules, files, and directories that are grouped together for easy distribution and installation. In many programming languages, packages are used to organize code into reusable and shareable components, and they often have a specific directory structure and naming conventions. Packages can be installed and managed using package managers, which automate the process of downloading and installing dependencies and other required files.

5. References