You have spent hours developing and testing your web application, and you are ready to showcase it to your potential client. But as soon as you launch it on your browser, you see a blank screen, an error message, or a frozen interface. Your web application has crashed, and you are in the middle of a critical presentation. What do you do?
The first thing you should do is to stay calm and apologize to your client for the inconvenience. Do not panic, blame yourself, or make excuses. Acknowledge that there is a technical issue and that you are working to resolve it as soon as possible. Show your professionalism and confidence by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, and expressing your interest in the project.
In such an unexpected scenario what I’d do is: 1- Stay calm and don’t panic ?? 2- Then quickly try to figure out if it is just a temporary glitch due to some connectivity or any other such resource. ?? 3- If it’s not the case and the crash seems to be due to some bug then: “COMMUNICATE” (rather than going fully quiet during the call), with a polite apology and mention the possible reasons why such thing may have occur.??? 4- Mention to fix the issue on priority basis and make sure it gets fixed before the stated timeframe.?? What I believe is that “COMMUNICATION” with team is the key and the first step for solving any problem/issue for such scenarios and many other problems that may occur during the software development cycle.?????
The first step in any crisis is to remain composed. Even though a crash during a client presentation can be stressful, staying calm helps maintain professionalism. Apologizing to the client demonstrates accountability and sincerity. It shows that you value their time and understand the inconvenience.
In such an unexpected scenario what I’d do is: 1- Stay calm and don’t panic ?? 2- Then quickly try to figure out if it is just a temporary glitch due to some connectivity or any other such resource. ?? 3- If it’s not the case and the crash seems to be due to some bug then: “COMMUNICATE” (rather than going fully quiet during the call), with a polite apology and mention the possible reasons why such thing may have occur.??? 4- Mention to fix the issue on priority basis and make sure it gets fixed before the stated timeframe.?? What I believe is that “COMMUNICATION” with team is the key and the first step for solving any problem/issue for such scenarios and many other problems that may occur during the software development cycle.?????
Always do a trial run with a specific data set before the actual presentation. Be sure to reset the database prior to the presentation. Apologize once for the failed demo. Do not continue to dwell and apologize multiple times. This only distracts the audience and makes a poor impression. Everybody understands the demos fail sometimes. Capture the screenshots and make it into a presentation. This will be your back up. Sometimes you do not have time to restart the web application or to debug on the stage. At those times use the presentation and continue.
The next thing you should do is to check your internet connection and browser. Sometimes, the problem is not with your web application, but with your network or browser settings. Try to reload the page, clear your cache, or switch to a different browser. If you are using a wireless connection, make sure you have a strong signal and no interference. If you are using a wired connection, make sure the cable is plugged in properly.
Before diving into technical solutions, ensure that the issue isn't related to your internet connection or browser. Sometimes, a poor connection or an outdated browser can cause unexpected errors. Checking these factors can quickly rule out simple causes.
If the problem persists, you should try to debug your web application. If you have access to the source code and a development environment, you can use tools like Chrome DevTools, Firefox Developer Tools, or Visual Studio Code to inspect the elements, console, network, and breakpoints of your web application. You can also use debugging libraries like React Developer Tools, AngularJS Batarang, or Vue.js Devtools to troubleshoot your web application framework. Look for any errors, warnings, or exceptions that might indicate the cause of the crash.
If the crash persists after checking connectivity and browser issues, dive into debugging. Use tools like Laravel Telescope or Xdebug to trace errors, inspect variables, and understand the root cause. Debugging provides insights into what went wrong and how to fix it.
If you cannot fix the problem quickly, you should switch to a backup or alternative version of your web application. Ideally, you should have a backup copy of your web application on a different device, server, or cloud platform that you can access in case of an emergency. You can also have an alternative version of your web application that has fewer features, but still demonstrates the core functionality and value proposition of your project. Explain to your client that you are switching to a backup or alternative version and that you will show them the full version later.
Having a backup or alternative version of your web application can be a lifesaver in such situations. If possible, switch to a stable, tested version that you know works reliably. This ensures the presentation can continue smoothly without further disruptions.
If none of the above steps work, you should ask for a break or reschedule the presentation. Do not waste your client's time or patience by trying to fix the problem indefinitely. Be honest and respectful, and ask for their permission to take a short break or reschedule the presentation for another time. Use this opportunity to apologize again, thank them for their understanding, and reassure them of your commitment and enthusiasm for the project.
If the crash is severe and cannot be quickly resolved, it might be necessary to ask for a break or reschedule the presentation. This option allows you time to fix the issue thoroughly without the pressure of a live demonstration. It also shows respect for the client's time and ensures a better presentation experience.
Finally, you should learn from the experience and prevent future crashes of your web application. After the presentation, you should analyze what went wrong, how you handled it, and how you can improve your web application development and testing process. You should also follow up with your client, show them the full version of your web application, and address any questions or concerns they might have. By learning from your mistakes and showing your professionalism and reliability, you can turn a web application crash into a positive impression and a successful presentation.
After the crisis is resolved, take time to analyze what caused the crash. Was it a specific code issue, server problem, or unexpected user input? Learning from this experience helps in preventing similar incidents in the future. Implementing better error handling, testing procedures, and monitoring can enhance the stability of your web application.
Client Communication: Keep the client informed throughout the process. Explain the situation, the steps you're taking to resolve it, and any impacts on the presentation timeline. Team Collaboration: If you're part of a team, collaborate to solve the issue efficiently. Delegate tasks based on expertise, such as debugging, code fixes, or server checks. Documentation: Document the incident, including the cause, resolution, and steps taken. This documentation can be valuable for future reference and improving processes. Post-Mortem Analysis: Conduct a post-mortem analysis with your team to discuss what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it in the future. This helps in continuous improvement and building resilience.