Anti-Patterns in Software Development
Written by: Helena Grahovac

Anti-Patterns in Software Development

Every object-oriented programmer knows how helpful design patterns can be. They are generalized solutions that can be used in various situations, simplifying the problem-solving process. Of course, if you’re familiar with design patterns, you’ve probably heard about their “evil twin” - Anti-patterns.

What are Anti-Patterns?

Anti-patterns are a common solution to a recurring problem in software engineering - a solution that is usually ineffective or counterproductive. Contrary to design patterns, they represent bad practices in software development. This brings out a logical question: “If developers know that anti-patterns are bad and could ruin the project, why would they use them?”.

You know what they say - the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Usually, it’s neither about ignorance nor malice. Anti-patterns might come up in software because they seem to be an appropriate solution for a specific problem at a given time. But even though the solution might work at first, it could lead to additional problems later on.

Types of Anti-Patterns

In software development, the goal is to write simple, structured, and functional code. A developer is unlikely to introduce an anti-pattern known for creating issues on purpose. However, it is crucial to know them in order to avoid them.?

Here are some of the most common anti-patterns you need to watch out for:

1. Spaghetti Code

This well-known anti-pattern describes a code with zero structure. Just imagine a big ‘ole bowl of spaghetti with random files in random folders - it’s a mess. The entire flow is tough to follow because nothing is divided into modules.

Spaghetti Code happens when a developer hasn't thoroughly planned the flow of their program before starting to code. It might seem to be working fine at first glance, but it could all come crashing down when adding a new feature. Not to mention maintenance - yikes!?

2. Golden Hammer

In psychology, the golden hammer is a cognitive bias where a person believes in solving all problems with a single tool. Because if a certain solution worked in the past, it’s bound to work again, right?

Not necessarily. Imagine a scenario where you try to saw wood with a hammer. As good as that hammer might be, it’s clearly not up to the task.?

The same goes for coding - rarely does “one size fit all”. Instead of relying too much on a single programming solution, get out of your comfort zone and learn a new approach. It might be even better than the last one.?

3. Boat Anchor

This pattern represents obsolete, unactivated code in the codebase. The code is there “just in case”, so just like a boat anchor, it weighs down the project by taking up time for maintenance and slowing down build time.?

To avoid spending countless hours debugging useless code, incorporate only the code you actually plan on using.?

4. Dead Code

Have you ever seen a piece of code that doesn’t look like it’s doing anything, but it’s been around forever and you’re kind of afraid to delete it? That’s dead code right there.?

Dead code is another form of unnecessary code that slows down the development process. It’s important to clean up the codebase from time to time to remove it. A system filled with dead code is prone to technical risks and errors, wasting your time and resources.?

5. God Object

Every object in object-oriented programming should have somewhat equal responsibility in maintaining software functionality. When one object is responsible for almost everything, it’s considered a God object. Something like a Swiss Army Knife.

The problem with God object is that you get more than needed, but you also have to give more in return - more maintenance, testing, integration, etc. That’s why it’s important to modularize the code.?

6. Copy & Paste Programming

Don’t you just love to copy-paste finished solutions? It saves time, nerves, effort...until it doesn’t work. Just because it worked well for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you.?

Copying someone else’s code into your own can result in unexpected consequences, which means you will have to spend even more time solving them. It’s not a bad practice per se, but be sure to test the copied code to make sure it works with your project’s architecture.

How to Avoid Anti-Patterns?

The key to avoiding problems caused by anti-patterns is good system management. If you don’t want to go back and forth tracing mistakes and re-writing the code throughout the project, follow these steps:?

  • Perform frequent code reviews
  • Practice code refactoring
  • Visualize your system

If you’re a software development pro and this is all old news to you, consider sharing your knowledge by becoming a part of our Digihey team. Check out our open positions or send us a message at [email protected] - We’re always looking for new tech enthusiasts!

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Written by: Helena Grahovac

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