Small changes in coding habits can make a big impact. What are the coding practices or habits you've recently adopted that have noticeably improved your productivity or code quality? Your insights might inspire others to make positive changes in their workflow!
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Top comments (6)
Hey there, great question! I completely agree that small changes in our coding habits can make a big impact. Here are some tips I've picked up from the past few years:
Embrace Version Control Systems (VCS): If you're not already using something like Git, I highly recommend it. It's a lifesaver for managing different versions of your code and collaborating with others.
Be Generous with Comments: I've found that taking a little extra time to write clear, descriptive comments really pays off, especially when I come back to a piece of code months later.
Consistency is Key: Following a coding standard or style guide makes your code so much easier to read and understand. Choose a guide that's relevant to your programming language and stick to it.
Don't Fear Refactoring: Sometimes, revisiting and improving existing code can be intimidating, but trust me, regular refactoring can make your code cleaner and more efficient.
Try Test-Driven Development (TDD): Writing tests before the actual code might seem strange, but it's a great way to design better software and catch bugs earlier.
Consider Pair Programming: Having a coding buddy provides a second set of eyes to catch errors, and it's a fantastic way to spark new ideas and learn from each other.
A Good IDE/Editor is Your Best Friend: The right tool can make a world of difference. Features like syntax highlighting, error detection, and auto-completion can boost your productivity.
Keyboard Shortcuts Save Time: Most IDEs and editors have a rich set of shortcuts. Learning and using them can make your coding process smoother and faster.
Break Down Big Tasks: It's much less daunting to tackle a large problem when it's broken down into smaller, manageable tasks.
Remember to Rest: Don't forget to take short breaks during your coding sessions. It helps maintain focus and reduce burnout.
Remember, the ultimate goal is improving code quality and maintainability. What works best will vary depending on personal preferences, your team, and the specific project you're working on. Happy coding!
Thanks, I agree with this. In addition, I would recommend trying to use Vim for more productivity.
Loooooove VIM!! !
I recently started writing technical articles and this has been helping me learn concepts faster and more efficiently.
So yes, writing is one practice that I adopted just recently and it has improved my productivity noticeably.
Great Question,
I used to repeat the same code for similar tasks. But now, I search the web and Chatgpt to find the best and optimal solutions and use them for each topic I work on. It's a more effective way of doing things, and I find it very rewarding.
Write your tests first, and test frequently. Especially when you are writing a library-like software.
This changed my way of working drastically.