Explanation
Regularly refactoring code, improving readability, and optimizing performance might seem insignificant day-to-day, but over time, these small enhancements compound. The codebase becomes more maintainable, easier to understand, and less prone to bugs.
"Make things as simple as possible, but not simpler". Don't make things easy to do, make them easy to be used and understand
Explanation
Simplicity in Design. Avoid Over-Engineering. Ensure the design is straightforward without unnecessary complexities. For example, don't add features that are not needed by the users or the system.
Clarity. The design should be clear and concise, making it easy for other developers to understand and maintain the code.
User-Centric Design. Focus on making the software easy to use and understand for the end-user, rather than just easy to build. This involves intuitive interfaces, clear documentation, and helpful error messages.
Avoiding Over-Simplification. Don't oversimplify to the point where the software no longer meets the needs of the users or becomes less reliable.
Make a prototype as soon as possible and run it in production. Technical debt = company pays for nothing
Explanation
Early Feedback. Creating a prototype quickly and deploying it in production allows for early user feedback. This helps in identifying potential issues, understanding user needs, and making necessary adjustments before investing heavily in development.
Iterative Improvement. By getting a working version into production early, developers can iterate and improve based on real-world usage and feedback. This can lead to a more refined and useful final product.
Technical debt refers to the implied cost of additional rework caused by choosing an easy, limited, or suboptimal solution now instead of using a better approach that would take longer. It accumulates when quick fixes, shortcuts, or poor design decisions are made.
Costs of Technical Debt. Over time, technical debt can lead to increased maintenance costs, slower development, and higher bug rates. This can result in the company spending more resources on fixing problems rather than adding value, hence "paying for nothing."
Explanation
Single Responsibility. Each application should have a clear and focused purpose. By doing one thing very well, the software can be more robust, easier to maintain, and less prone to bugs.
Avoiding Bloat. Applications should avoid feature creep, which can make them more complex, harder to use, and more difficult to maintain. Focus on the core functionality and do it exceptionally well.
Modularity and Composition. Interoperability: Small, focused applications can work together seamlessly. This modular approach allows developers to compose complex systems from simple, well-defined components. Reusable Components: When applications do one thing very well, they can be reused in different contexts, increasing their value and reducing redundant development efforts.
Maintainability. Easier Debugging: With a clear and focused scope, identifying and fixing issues becomes easier. Developers can quickly understand the application’s purpose and logic. Simplified Testing: Testing a single-function application is more straightforward than testing a multifaceted system. This ensures higher reliability and quality.
Explanation
Prioritizing Functionality. Focus on what users need to accomplish their tasks efficiently and effectively. Ensure the interface supports these tasks without unnecessary distractions.