Essential JavaScript Habits for Developers
1. Write Clean and Readable Code
- Use consistent naming conventions and indentation.
- Follow a popular style guide like Airbnb's.
- Keep functions and files short and focused.
2. Understand the JavaScript Execution Model
- Learn about the event loop, call stack, and microtasks.
- Know how asynchronous code is executed.
- Master
setTimeout
,Promises
, andasync/await
.
3. Use const
and let
Instead of var
-
const
for values that donโt change. -
let
for variables that may change. - Avoid
var
to prevent hoisting and scope issues.
4. Keep Code DRY (Donโt Repeat Yourself)
- Abstract repeated logic into functions or modules.
- Use array methods like
.map()
,.filter()
,.reduce()
. - Modularize your code for reusability.
5. Handle Errors Gracefully
- Use
try...catch
with async/await. - Validate user input and external data.
- Prevent application crashes with fallback logic.
6. Master the DOM and Event Handling
- Understand how to manipulate the DOM efficiently.
- Use
addEventListener()
properly. - Avoid memory leaks with event clean-up.
7. Use Modern ES6+ Features
- Arrow functions, destructuring, template literals, etc.
- Keep up with new features in newer ECMAScript versions.
- Write concise and expressive code.
8. Write Unit Tests
- Use frameworks like Jest, Mocha, or Vitest.
- Test core logic and edge cases.
- Make your code more robust and refactor-friendly.
9. Organize Your Code for Scalability
- Use modules and folder structures.
- Separate concerns: logic, UI, API calls.
- Follow patterns like MVC or component-based design.
10. Practice Regularly and Build Projects
- Apply what you learn by building real apps.
- Tackle coding challenges (e.g., Codewars, LeetCode).
- Contribute to open source or join dev communities.
Top comments (0)