9 ways to ruin the code. Getting rid of bad habits

Any developer can learn how to create clean code, stick to a strict schedule, meet deadlines, and successfully advance in their career. The main thing is not to let bad habits get in the way!

Crutches

Crutches are a crude tool, but that said, there’s nothing terrible about using them from time to time, such as when deadlines are tight. However, keep in mind that crutches can get lost and broken over time as the product expands. Always create generic code whenever possible. In other cases, test and don’t skip debugging the crutch, and explain your solution to your colleagues.

Unwarranted refactoring

If you passionately strive for perfect code, you can get stuck in a series of continuous improvements and thereby lose precious time by stomping on the spot. After all, even if the code is written as elegantly as possible, breaking a deadline will undo all the success of your work.

So always limit refactoring. Don’t let temptation and perfectionism slow you down.

Neglecting trends

IT is moving forward by leaps and bounds. Something new and better is constantly emerging in this area: tools, strategies, technologies, products, problem-solving models, etc.

Therefore, a specialist who does not follow the trends loses his relevancy very quickly. It is not for nothing that those who constantly learn and develop their skills represent the greatest value for companies. Study specialized sites, read blogs and books on development, go to conferences, take courses, and communicate with your colleagues as much as possible to exchange experiences.

Try to think through the whole development process

Planning in detail all the way from start to finish sounds like a good idea. But in practice, the logical chain often doesn’t add up and plans fall apart as if they were built on sand. The upshot is that the time is gone and the work isn’t done. The best solution – to act step by step. Break down a given task into several smaller ones. Solve the subtasks in sequence: think over the first one, implement it, and only then move on to the next one.

Focusing on one solution

If you see that the code isn’t working, don’t try your best to improve and “save” it. You’ll waste your time and effort. Do not confuse persistence with stubbornness and lack of flexibility. If you get hung up on a non-working code, it will be very difficult to get rid of it later. The result – violations of deadlines, stress and ruined reputation. To avoid this, consider not only one single option, but several ways of solving the problem.

Training without practice

Sometimes programmers love to learn new things so much that they completely forget why they do it. In the modern world, knowledge is very accessible, but it doesn’t mean that one should devour everything. If the theory is not consolidated by practice – it’s useless, and will not help you to grow professionally. There is no person who can assimilate new information in an unlimited amount. That is why the most expedient tactic is to study only what you need to solve current problems, or those that you plan to encounter in the near future. And whatever the knowledge you get, if you want to master it completely, you must be sure to put it into practice.

Lack of desire to understand the basics

You can’t effectively use off-the-shelf solutions without an understanding of algorithms and a good knowledge of data structures. Only a high-quality basis will help you to correctly estimate your own actions, improve the code and speed up not only the speed of your own work but the speed of the final product as well.

Poor teamwork skills

Sometimes there are programmers who think they are geniuses, and because of this they don’t trust their colleagues and try to do all the work alone. However, even the best specialists are not able to cope with all the tasks of a large project by themselves, so this behavior model will lead to delays sooner or later. Besides, it blocks the developer’s career growth, since he/she becomes irreplaceable in his/her own place, since no one else knows the specifics of the product except him/her.

So don’t let the costs of teamwork turn you away from your colleagues. Remember that in a group work becomes more effective, and your personal career development becomes easier.

Choose habits consciously

You should realize that many of our habits are not harmless at all. Make sure they don’t interfere with your growth, your ability to write clean code, your ability to program effectively, and your ability to move up the career ladder. Your energy is in your hands. And only you choose where to invest it: in bad habits, which slow down your development and worsen the quality of your product, or in good ones, which, on the contrary, help you to get better.