Which option best illustrates excessive whitespace?

The selection highlighting excessive whitespace perfectly demonstrates the principle of whitespace usage in coding. In programming, whitespace refers to the spaces, tabs, and newlines used to format code. While it is essential for improving readability and structure, excessive whitespace creates confusion and reduces the clarity of code.

Option D shows a significant imbalance in whitespace, with multiple spaces before the closing parenthesis of the condition and the opening brace of the block. This not only detracts from the compactness of the code but can also lead to misunderstandings about where logical components of the statement begin and end. Such an arrangement can make the code appear messy and inconsistent, undermining the purpose of maintaining readability and clean coding standards.

In contrast, the other options maintain a reasonable amount of whitespace, ensuring that the code remains clean and understandable. Properly spaced elements contribute to clarity, whereas excessive whitespace can act as a distraction and diminish the overall quality of the code.