Unlike other engineering disciplines, software development - specifically web development - doesn't have legally required regulations to operate on the web.
There are standards and best practices to follow when creating a user experience on the web. These include accessibility for screen readers and visual and auditory aids, browser compatibility, privacy, and security, among others. For example, semantic HTML improves SEO, accessibility, and built in browser features.
However, breaking some of these best practices won't necessarily break a web page. You'll see console errors, reduced website optimization, or even degraded user experience (UX). If you haven't experienced what poor UX & accessibility decisions can lead to I invite you to try out https://userinyerface.com.
At the same time, companies often make decisions to bypass certain best practices due to time, cost, or other trade-offs. For example, does your website need to be translated into 150 languages? Perhaps WCAG A is a sufficient accessibility standard over AAA.
The reality is, web technologies and standards are ever-changing, continually improving, and redefining what is considered "best". Old and depreciated JavaScript features like Date.prototype.getYear() are replaced by new ones like Date.prototype.getFullYear().
Adaptation and incrementally improving upon errors, mistakes, or simply outdated assumptions is expected in the world of software development. Which brings us full circle to the point of this short missive.
Our current selves, decision-making, and pathfinding are based on what our depreciated selves learned from mistakes, errors, and suboptimal information. Our day to day lives are decided by the choices and we make to progress, whether that would be a relationship, career, sport, or health. There may be some best practices to life, like trying to maintain health through exercise and healthy foods, or fostering long-term relationships by working through issues and continuing to communicate. However, there is no single guiding principal that will "solve" all issues. Life is a bit messy at times and a bit rigid at others. Improving upon our mistakes and making new decisions for our future is very much akin to how development work and life intersect.
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