Question

Is there a guide where I can read up on the rules of breaking lines to keep within columns?

I have the following code and my margin is set to 80 characters (so that it fits into an A4 page when I print):

IDictionary<string, object> columns = new Dictionary<string, object>(1);

The parantheses fall just at the 80th column. So, should I break it up like this:

IDictionary<string, object> columns = new Dictionary<string, object>
    (1);

or this:

IDictionary<string, object> columns = new Dictionary
    <string, object>(1);

or this:

IDictionary<string, object> columns =
    new Dictionary<string, object>(1);

or any other way? I prefer not to increase the margin.

Thanks.

Answer 1

80 characters in line is not a law – it’s nice to have. And best option here is:

var columns = new Dictionary<string, object>(1);

Never break type name, generic parameters, and opening bracket (it’s OK to continue on next line if you have many parameters). So, options also (the best one – forget about 80 characters and put all into one line):

IDictionary<string, object> columns = new Dictionary<string, object>(1);

and (if line is really long)

IDictionary<string, object> columns = 
        new Dictionary<string, object>(1);

or split assignment and declaration

IDictionary<string, object> columns;
columns = new Dictionary<string, object>(1);