Spaghetti code, a disparaging term in IT, describes tangled and disjointed programming structures that hinder software maintenance, leading to stressed developers and high turnover. Its origins lie in inadequate preparation, experience, or rushed development. Avoiding it is crucial for developer satisfaction and cost efficiency. Here are vital tips to ensure your code remains consistent and stable, steering clear of the undesirable spaghetti code scenario and maintaining a more enjoyable coding experience.
Table of Contents
1. Maintain a consistent style
Consistency is one of the hallmarks of good code. When you can maintain consistency, you’ll drastically boost predictability. If other developers or teams need to step in, they will have a drastically shorter learning curve. They can easily pick up where you left off and understand how to adjust and fix issues. Maintaining a consistent style comes down to seemingly minor details. One way to fix this is to use a code analysis tool, a linter, pair programming, or tech lead code reviews, anything that forces code to be shared, discussed, and vetted.
2. Avoid shortcuts (or at least record these as tech debt to fix)
Shortcuts are called shortcuts for a reason. Shortcuts are tempting because they can save you time and money, but this happens at a cost. Here are some common coding shortcuts that you should avoid:
- Duplicating code
- Not running tests
- Failing to manage or measure code complexity
- Not creating a style guide
- Overlooking code design
3. Write comments
Commenting is one of the best ways to ensure greater accessibility and easier maintenance. The most important type of comment explains why a piece of code exists or the function it serves. Regardless of the purpose, the objective of any comment is to be as clear and concise as possible. If you can’t write a clear comment, the code may have an issue to begin with.
4. Use a linter or code quality framework/code reviews from the start
Linters are a top tool in the development world. They’re code analysis tools that can help flag bugs, syntax errors, security issues, adherence to code standards, and stylistic issues. Top linters include ESlint, TSlint, StandardJS, and JSHint.
Code reviews are assessments of code to minimize errors and maximize overall code quality. These reviews are done by developers who didn’t author a specific piece of code, acting as another set of eyes to help identify potential issues. Top code review tools include GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket.
5. Use best practices
There will always be opportunities to use methods, tools, and strategies generally approved and endorsed by the development community. When you follow these best practices, you’re setting your product up for greater success.
Some of the best practices for custom software development include:
- Create a software requirements specification document (SRSD)
- Write unit tests before you write code
- Use an issue tracker or bug tracker
- Do code reviews
As you take your software development journey, prioritize strategies that will ensure that your software is clean, functional, and can be smoothly managed by different players over time. Nail this, and you’ll be setting yourself up for long-term success.
source: https://dazlab.global/a-guide-to-avoid-spaghetti-code-in-custom-software-development/
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