Which of the following is a key characteristic of good programming practices?

A key characteristic of good programming practices is code readability. This concept emphasizes the importance of writing code that is easy to understand and follow, not only for the original developer but also for others who may read or maintain the code in the future. Code that is readable allows for easier debugging, collaboration, and enhancements. It typically includes clear naming conventions, consistent formatting, and appropriate documentation, all of which contribute to making the code self-explanatory.

Other characteristics like code obfuscation, code duplication, and code complexity do not align with good programming practices. Code obfuscation refers to making code intentionally difficult to understand, which can hinder maintenance and collaborative work. Code duplication involves repeating the same code in multiple places, which can lead to errors and make updates more cumbersome, as changes must be applied in multiple locations. Code complexity relates to how complicated the code is, which can decrease readability and increase the likelihood of bugs. Thus, prioritizing readability leads to better, more efficient programming outputs.