Every developer has been there: you start fixing a small bug, and 10 minutes later, you’ve touched over 100 files. 😅
One phrase helps me stay grounded:
"Do the basic, then the magic."
It’s a reminder to focus on what matters first — delivering value — before diving into refactors, optimizations, or architectural overhauls.
🛠️ Start with the Basic
Before you refactor, ask yourself:
- Do I understand the problem?
- Is the solution aligned with the team?
- Is the code functional and tested?
- Does this solve a real user need?
Example:
You’re fixing a login bug.
The basic: fix the bug so users can log in.
The magic: refactor the component, split hooks, improve accessibility.
If you start with the magic, you risk losing sight of the actual problem — and wasting time.
🧭 Principles That Keep You Focused
Here are three principles I use daily to stay productive and avoid unnecessary complexity:
🔹 KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid
Simplicity wins. If it works and is readable, don’t over-engineer.
Example:
You see a function that works fine but could be more “elegant.”
KISS says: It’s working. Leave it alone.
🔹 YAGNI — You Aren’t Gonna Need It
Don’t build features or abstractions until they’re actually needed.
Example:
You’re tempted to add a config system for future use.
YAGNI says: If no one asked for it, don’t build it.
🔹 Boy Scout Rule — Leave the code better than you found it
Improve small things as you go, but don’t derail the task.
Example:
You notice a confusing variable name while fixing a bug.
Boy Scout Rule says: Rename it, commit it — but stay focused on the bug.
💡 Practical Tips
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Before refactoring, ask:
“Will this improve today’s delivery or just satisfy my perfectionism?”
Use comments like
// TODO: simplify this logicto mark future improvements.Schedule dedicated time for refactoring with your team (e.g., tech-debt days).
🤝 Conclusion
Refactoring is valuable. Clean code matters.
But productivity comes from doing the basic well — solving real problems, delivering real value.
Once the basic is solid, then yes — go ahead and do the magic. ✨
📣 What About You?
What principles or phrases help you stay focused while coding?
Ever gotten lost in a refactor that didn’t need to happen?
Drop a comment below
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