How can you prevent bugs from reappearing after you fix them?

2 Write clear and concise code

The second step to prevent bugs from reappearing is to write clear and concise code that follows consistent naming, formatting, and commenting standards. This will make your code easier to read, understand, and modify, both for yourself and for other developers. Avoid using magic numbers, hard-coded values, or obscure abbreviations that can confuse or mislead the reader. Use meaningful variable names, proper indentation, and descriptive comments that explain the purpose and logic of your code.

4 Use version control and code reviews

The fourth step to prevent bugs from reappearing is to use version control and code reviews to track and manage the changes in your code. Version control allows you to save different versions of your code, compare them, and revert to previous ones if needed. Code reviews allow you to get feedback from other developers, who can spot errors, suggest improvements, and ensure that your code meets the project's standards and requirements. By using these tools, you can avoid overwriting or losing your code, detect and resolve conflicts, and ensure that your code is consistent and reliable.

5 Write and run tests

The fifth step to prevent bugs from reappearing is to write and run tests that verify the functionality and quality of your code. Tests are automated or manual procedures that check whether your code meets the expected output, behavior, and performance. There are different types of tests, such as unit tests, integration tests, regression tests, and acceptance tests, that cover different aspects and levels of your code. By writing and running tests, you can catch bugs early, prevent them from reaching the production environment, and ensure that your code works as intended.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?