How can web developers write code that is maintainable over time?

A couple of points to keep in mind whatever stack, language or technology you are using. 1. Don't use A coding style, use THE coding style. People come and go, companies change but the code remains the same. Almost all languages have widely accepted conventions on namings, spacing etc. DON'T re-invent the wheel. 2. Understand what clean code means (read the book if you haven't). Your code ideally should be read like a book. Avoid generalized naming even if your variables and functions become sentences. Books are written in sentences, not abbreviations or single words. 3. Follow widely accepted practices. SOLID is mentioned a couple of times but functional programming has it's own rules and the use of patterns (like GoF) is also useful.

1. Following proper naming convention. This will improve the code readability. 2. Follow the SOLID principle. 3. Avoid tight coupling when write codes. 4. Avoid tight coupling when using external dependencies by communicating through clear interfaces or adapters. If we want to change the external dependency or third party library, we will only need to add new implementation layer to integrate with new replacement third party library. 5. Program to interface. 6. Read books about clean code and apply those practices when writing codes. (ex: Clean code by Robert Cecil Martin). 7. Identify reusable components, logics, classes and methods, utility classes. 8. Add comments where necessary.

Having readable code is valuable; using a coding style that enhances understanding aids in consistency and collaboration among developers, putting everyone on the same page. It is still advantageous when you need to revisit a project after some time; this is genuinely important. Besides assisting in long-term maintenance, it makes it more organized.

Use Design Patterns , Find a Framework that is highly adaptable by design principles . As an example, choose TypeScript over vanilla JS, Choose Sprig over Jersey in Java. Use ORMs , Migrations , DAO , DTO , factory , singleton, facade, decorator etc design patterns. These patterns make someone else well understood the legacy code in lesser effort

I have seen some organizations not using prettier to format their code. This can affect the code maintainability as prettier maintains the file formatting. This means that if two developers are working on the same file then if they are not using prettier pretty much the whole file will get formatted if nothing is defined in the prettierrc.js file. So we won't know which line was contributed by whom. On the other hand if you had mentioned specific guideline like tab spacing and line spacing you could narrow down to line by line on which dev made changes to which line in a particular file. This is a pretty niche observation, but budding startups can benefit from this a lot.

Code comments and JSDocs play a crucial role by providing essential information about components, enabling code editors like VS Code to offer informative pop-ups when interacting with the code. Additionally, integrating Storybook into projects offers a visual representation of components and their states, aiding developers in understanding and utilizing them effectively before implementation in actual projects. This documentation-centric approach enhances long-term code maintainability.??

Documenting your code is easy! ? You know what the function does ? The types of parameters it takes ? What it returns One way to add documentation is by using JSDocs, which allows you to add comments to your JavaScript functions that provide information about their purpose, parameters, return values, and more. Here are some basics you should know about documenting functions with JSDocs: ? @param describes the parameters a function takes. ? @return describes the value a function returns. For example: /** * Add two numbers together. * @param {number} a - The first number to add. * @param {number} b - The second number to add. * @returns {number} - The sum of two numbers. */ function add(a, b) { return a + b; }

Code documentation is the narrative of your programming journey. Like a compelling story, clear comments – be they single-line footnotes or multi-line backstories – breathe life into your code. Think of docstrings as the synopsis, providing a quick glance at functions and classes. Tools like JSDoc or Sphinx act as architects, transforming raw code into polished documentation. Share your coding saga, making it a bridge that connects minds globally. Code documentation is more than syntax; it's the universal language uniting developers worldwide.

Effective documentation goes beyond just writing code, it serves as the common language that brings developers together globally. Communication plays a vital role in development, and documentation serves as the initial form of communication among developers. Well-documented code not only saves time and minimizes confusion but also remains alongside the code for future reference.

Depending on the ecosystem you're in, document your code following the practices prevalent. Documenting certainly differs when you're writing a public library vs a closed internal tool. Intention should be - a newcomer shouldn't have difficulty understanding what's written. Use JSDocs or Typescript for utility functions' or modular pieces that are reusable for example. Use comments wherever necessary. Also semantic names play a crucial role in documenting the code. Documenting involves - following and building coding guidelines, semantic naming, version control etc. It goes hand in hand with refactoring and is changed/improved whenever structures are improved.

Using meaningful names for variables, functions and other elements of your code is essential to writing readable, maintainable code. In my experience, here are some tips you can adopt when choosing meaningful names: The names of variables, functions, classes, etc. should reflect what you're doing, and everyone should be able to understand them clearly. As a reference, I recommend the book "Clean Code A Handbook of Agile Software Craftsmanship". by Robert C. Martin

Choosing good names for your code is super important. When you name things like variables, functions, and classes, make sure the names clearly show what they do. When naming things like variables and functions: 1. Be clear and descriptive. 2. Choose names that explain themselves. 3. Stick to naming rules (camel case, pascal case, or snake case) consistently with your team. Meaningful names make your code easy to read and understand, reducing the need for comments. Help other developers by using names that are clear, easy to pronounce, and show the intent behind each element.

Save your comments for the complex parts. Well-chosen variable and function names can greatly reduce the need for comments. A good name should be: ? descriptive, ? self-explanatory ? meaningful It alllows others to quickly understand its purpose. Don't use vague variables like: ?? x ?? y ?? foo ?? prdprc Instead, use names like these: ? firstName ? randomNumber ? productPrice Pro tip: Prefix your function names with the action, like: ? getRandomNumber ? setFullName ? getSum This convention not only makes your code more readable but also helps others quickly understand the purpose of your functions.

Choosing the right names for variables and functions is a game-changer in coding. Well-picked names not only make your code readable but also reduce the need for comments. Avoid names like 'x' or 'foo'. Choose like 'firstName' or 'randomNumber.' Tips: prefix function names with the action, such as 'getRandomNumber' or 'setFullName,'for instant comprehension and readability. Variable naming isn't just about syntax, it's a critical player in group projects and sizable code bases. Choosing names based on usage simplifies understanding and debugging.

Choosing clear and descriptive names for variables, functions, and classes eliminates guesswork and reduces the need for lengthy comments. It's about making your code self-explanatory, where the purpose and function of each component are immediately apparent. I follow the practice of naming variables and functions as complete thoughts, which instantly conveys their role and expected behavior.

Some common points to be considered while refactoring code : - Reducing the size of the code - Restructuring confusing code into simpler code - Cleaning up code to make it tidier? - Removing redundant, unused code and comments? - Doing away with unnecessary repetitions - Combining similar code - Creating reusable code - Breaking up long functions into simpler, manageable bits?

Properly organize your files and folders for easier navigation and code reuse. Minimize duplication by creating separate variables or functions where appropriate. Using comments makes your code easier to understand.

Refactoring and readability are subjective terms. A piece of code that's readable for one developer can be a code that's needed to be improved. Needed is the guidelines which need to be followed. If the current codebase is either non-maintainable, non-scalable, non-testable, we can strive to make it better. Intent of the codebase should be communicated via naming conventions, breakdown of codebase and following apt design patterns.

Refactoring in PHP, as emphasized by Uncle Bob, ensures code remains clean, adaptable, and easy to understand. Regularly improving code structure and design enhances long-term maintainability, reduces technical debt, and fosters a more efficient and sustainable development process.

The following are some common points to consider when refactoring code:? 1. A refactoring is similar to a makeover for your code. 2. It makes your code neater and faster without changing what it does. 3. Keeps code quality high by eliminating duplication and complexity. 4. Make your code clean and explain things with comments. 5. Use suitable names, break down big parts, and follow patterns for shiny code. 6. Functions should be short and easy to understand, so don't make them too complicated.

When making changes to your code, it's crucial to consider the potential ripple effects on other components. Write tests that can help you easily identify errors introduced by changes, facilitating quick fixes and accelerating the deployment of your updates.

We probably heard this a lot: ?tests are expensive, we don‘t have time for it!“ The opposite is the case. What do devs do after they wrote some lines of code? They test it, e.g. by running it manually. If writing tests from the start and executing all of them everytime you modify the code (please consider also complex test cases), you will actually save time in the long run by not having to test all cases manually AND ensuring quality and maintainability at the same time. Tests are not expensive in the long run, they are the exact opposite.

Once of the biggest mistakes when writing code, is not fully understanding the requirements, so even when Test Driven Development sounds hard, the more you use it, the better you become at writing valuable tests, and not just "green checks" that don't verify anything important. Once you have the proper mindset and understanding, the next level is to understand the different level of testing, and start automating them.

Consider the following points when writing test cases. 1. Verify that your code works as expected and aligns with the project requirements. 2. Detect and fix errors, bugs, or vulnerabilities to enhance code reliability and functionality. 3. Choose different tests based on your code's specific needs. You can select unit, integration, or end-to-end tests. Your choice depends on the coverage your code requires. 4. Choose the appropriate testing tools, such as Jest, Mocha, or Cypress. Use them to write and run tests.

Testing should be done at each level of SDLC from development to deployment specific to the stage like unit testing, integration testing etc. at the time of development and functionality testing once the development is complete and so on which helps to know the problems earlier or something has broken because of latest introduction into the code or functionality

Using Git and GitHub in coding is like having a superpower. Git is our version control, enabling us to save different code versions and revert if needed. GitHub is our collaborative library, allowing multiple contributors to work seamlessly. Adding version control is akin to having a detailed road map for our coding journey, ensuring a well-organized and error-free story.

Version control is a best practice. Version control is when you take the version of the file you're working on right now and put the word "NEW" into the filename, so you know it's new. Example bad practice: user_account.php Example good practice: user_account_NEW_NEW_THIS_ONE_NEW_DEC20_2023_NEW.php Making sure you add a _NEW to the filename each time means you're using version control and following best practices. Egg.

Learning and using version control, like Git and GitHub, is crucial in coding. It's like having special powers: ? Git acts as a time-travel machine for code, saving different versions for easy retrieval if needed. ? GitHub serves as a team hub, allowing collaboration and code storage. ? Version control is akin to a detailed map, guiding us in our coding journey to avoid mistakes and maintain organization. ? It ensures our code stays clean and error-free, much like a well-crafted story! ? Additionally, it fosters seamless collaboration, enabling multiple people to work on a project without interfering with each other's work. #GitAndGitHubAdvantages

Adopt version control, like Git, as soon as your coding project extends beyond a single day. In today's development landscape, there's hardly a more effective tool for managing code changes. Commit frequently. These commits serve as a detailed record of your development journey. They are invaluable for tracking progress, understanding the evolution of your code, and pinpointing the origins of issues when debugging. Regular commits also facilitate collaboration, allowing team members to stay updated and contribute effectively. Essentially, treating Git as an integral part of your coding process isn't just about safeguarding your work; it's about embracing best practices for efficient and collaborative software development.

Embracing version control, particularly Git, is a crucial aspect of modern software development projects. Git is more than just a safety net for your code, it's a foundational tool that shapes efficient and collaborative development workflows. From the first day of your project, Git can serve as your digital diary, meticulously recording each step of your coding journey. Frequent commits are like breadcrumbs, marking your path and offering insights into the evolution of your project. This detailed history isn't just a means to track progress, but it becomes invaluable in troubleshooting and understanding the context behind each line of code.

Just follow the guidelines and standards being set by your company or the community. Adhere to the common best practices in web development. Having a common ground on the guidelines, standards, and best practices is what will keep our code maintainable over time.

How about leaving comments explaining the functionality of what the code/function/class does? I think this practice can be a lot beneficial for the new ones who will work on your code in future or even yourself when you come back to the code block for reference. It'll always be easier to maintain if you know whats going on.

Different companies can have different coding standards and even custom components so that the developers don't have to repeat the code everywhere. Adhering to these standards can make code very much maintainable, and easy to understand. Specifying the return types for functions, using meaningful names for variables & functions, unit testing the code etc are some of the things developers can do to ensure code quality. The IDE extensions for formatting(prettier), code quality check (eg:- esLint, sonarLint) can help to write cleaner and more maintainable code too.

For me me one important thing to consider is. How difficult will it be for to understand this piece of code again in future?. Thinking in yourself and also in people without your context in that codebase. Making these kinds of questions avoids you from making some smart solutions that are very cool now but a hell to maintain in the future because nobody understands it

Essential aspects for every aspiring coder to consider: ? Coding isn't just about writing codes; it's also about how we think and handle challenges. It's like being a problem-solving personality! ? Having the right mindset is the key to getting through everything. ? We need to be ready to learn new things and not be afraid of making mistakes. It's okay if things don't work at first; that's how we learn! ? Sharing stories about our own tough coding problems that we've ever faced and how we've tackled them can inspire others. ? Always remember, in coding, being open to learning and adapting to new things is as important as knowing how to write code. #HopeItHelps