> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://teachersmanual.firstdraft.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://teachersmanual.firstdraft.com/beginner-friendly-code-style-guide.md).

# Beginner-friendly Code Style Guide

* Heuristic: If we could change it to 'zebra' on a whim, then use a string; otherwise use a symbol.
  * E.g. Use strings as keys to the params hash, since changing flexible route segments, query string parameters, or `name=""` values is easy. Use symbols when referring to actual column names.
* Use `Hash#fetch` instead of `Hash#[]` (for better error messages when wrong key is supplied).
* To be consistent with the above, use `Array#at` instead of `Array#[]` (even though they are identical).