10 Tips to Keep Your Software Simple
AI Summary
Summary of Key Tips for Writing Simple and Maintainable Code
YAGNI (You Aren’t Gonna Need It): Avoid writing code for features you might need in the future. Remove unused code to streamline your project.
DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself): Eliminate code duplication by creating generic solutions to reduce maintenance and potential bugs. For instance, use a
find_by_rolemethod instead of multiple specific finder methods.Avoid Overengineering: Keep solutions simple. Use functions instead of complex class/abstract structures unless necessary. Simplify notification systems by using direct functions instead of patterns.
Organize Effectively: Use simple project structures (like Kanban boards) to keep your development organized. Avoid fragmentation across too many platforms, and consider an all-in-one tool like monday.com to manage tasks.
Keep Functions Short: Each function should perform a single task. This increases cohesion and makes the code easier to read and test.
Avoid Hard-Coded Values: Define constants at the top of your file or in a separate configuration to avoid duplication and make updates easier.
Use Meaningful Names: Choose clear, descriptive names for variables and functions to improve readability and reduce the need for comments.
Document Thought Process: Use comments to explain why certain decisions were made in the code, not just what the code is doing.
Simplify Module Structures: Keep your code structure flat to avoid complexity and enhance accessibility to modules and functions.
Write Tests: Writing tests helps ensure code reliability and maintainability. Structure test files to mirror your project structure for clarity.
Bonus Tip
- Allocate Time for Refactoring: Spend about 10% of your development time on refactoring to improve your code iteratively, preventing technical debt and enhancing understanding of your project.