After years in the web development field, I've come to recognize a common trend: many developers prioritize functionality over code quality. In pursuit of getting things to work quickly, corners are often cut, resulting in what I call "unhealthy code." Unfortunately, once these shortcuts are taken, there's often little incentive to improve them, as the fear of breaking functionality looms large.
However, my focus has shifted over time. I've become increasingly invested in ensuring that my code is not just functional but also secure. This shift in mindset has led me to devote less attention to frontend development and more towards implementing robust security measures.
It became clear to me early on that as web developers, our responsibility goes beyond mere functionality—we must prioritize security as well.
While it's common for startups to overlook continuous testing for vulnerabilities, the truth is that all companies, regardless of size, are susceptible to cyber attacks.
So, when clients or business owners demand that we(web developers) "just make it work," it's crucial to remind them of the importance of security. We must shift our focus from simply making things functional to ensuring they are safe. Even a thoroughly tested application can become vulnerable in minutes, underscoring the necessity for ongoing testing—what I refer to as continuous testing.
Consider this analogy: just as the threat of global warming prompts urgent action, the prevalence of cyber threats necessitates proactive measures. Every click of our mouse should be approached with security in mind, as the vulnerability of our code directly correlates with the likelihood of cyber attacks.
IamMichael
Web Developer/Penetration Tester
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