---
title: Do Not Commit Dead Code
impact: MEDIUM
impactDescription: reduces noise and maintenance burden
tags: clean-code, maintenance, quality, python
---

## Do Not Commit Dead Code

Dead code (commented-out code or unreachable code) clutters the codebase and leads to confusion.

**Incorrect:**
```python
def calculate_tax(amount):
    # Old logic:
    # return amount * 0.05
    return amount * 0.08
```

**Correct:**
```python
def calculate_tax(amount):
    return amount * 0.08
```