How do you create software that is easy to maintain?

How do you create software that is easy to maintain?

Software maintenance is not just a task, it’s a crucial part of our work. It becomes especially important when updates or changes are needed.

If no changes are necessary, the quality of maintenance is still relevant as it ensures the software’s stability and performance.

However, in all cases, you need to change it. For the software to be easy to change, it must first be easy to understand.

    Software maintenance begins from day one; it’s not a separate phase.

    We cringe when people talk about software maintenance as a separate task. This idea is based on the old notion that software is first developed and then maintained. Today, software development is a continuous, dynamic process, and maintenance is an integral part of this ever-evolving cycle.

    Embracing this mindset keeps us engaged and committed to the ongoing improvement of our software.

    Let us break down the components that make it easy for software to be well maintained.

    Maintaining Code Clarity with Method Structure.

    Understanding a program’s steps is crucial. Descriptive method names clarify the flow, empowering you to navigate the software’s structure. For example, message processing might involve methods like parseInput(), removeDuplicates(), processRequest(), and sendResponse(). Within processRequest(), similar patterns break tasks into smaller, manageable methods.

    Software is often written with well-structured methods initially. However, over time, new code is added to existing methods without creating new sub-methods. This leads to methods with hundreds of statements lacking structure. While the code still functions, it becomes much harder to grasp the overall flow and understand the bigger picture, especially when reading it for the first time.

    This occurs for various reasons, such as sticking to the existing pattern by adding to current methods instead of creating new ones, trying to make minimal changes, time constraints, or unfamiliarity with the code.

    The typical solution is to introduce additional methods.

    Ability to Test for a New Comer.

    Another key component of well-maintained software is the ability to test its individual parts. This means having a comprehensive set of test cases that cover all aspects of the software’s functionality, from unit tests for individual methods to end-to-end tests that demonstrate how all the components work together.

    Imagine a new developer taking over your code with a comprehensive set of test cases. They can read and run the code, with unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests available. The end-to-end tests are particularly beneficial initially, as they demonstrate how all the components work together.

    Tests not only verify that the code functions as intended but also make it easy to run specific parts of the code with minimal setup. Since the test author has already prepared the necessary state, the newcomer can execute and explore different sections of the code in addition to reading it. This greatly aids in understanding how the code operates, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence in the code’s functionality.

    Naming

    We like this quote (from Phil Karlton): “There are only two hard things in Computer Science: cache invalidation and naming things.”

    Programming largely involves naming classes, methods, and variables effectively. Good naming makes code self-documenting and clear, often resulting in smaller, more manageable methods. Coming up with meaningful names is challenging and may require renaming as development progresses. However, well-defined and consistently used concepts empower us and put us in control, simplifying both coding and communication with others.

    Logging

    Running the program is crucial for understanding its functionality, but merely seeing the results isn’t sufficient. Logging becomes essential to grasping how the results are achieved. Effective logging lets you trace the program’s execution and comprehend its flow.

    However, excessive logging can be counterproductive.

    Too much logging doesn’t help since that obscures rather than clarifies.

    Comments

    We once believed that code should be self-explanatory, eliminating the need for comments. However, we’ve come to realize that comments are often valuable for understanding a program’s functionality and reasoning.

    They are especially useful for clarifying complex or unconventional cases.

    Our argument is that we should not think of software development as having the phases “development” and “maintenance” – it is all just software development.

    Is it a paradox, then, that I talk about well-maintained software?

    No.

    One of the components of software development is that it should be easy for another colleague to understand.

    The combination of traits explained above makes the existing program easier to understand.

    In our mind, this is the essence of well-written software!

    Outsourcing your software development to us means you gain access to well-maintained software that is easy to understand and change. We prioritize:

    • Clear Method Structures: Our code is organized with descriptive method names and well-structured methods, ensuring you can easily navigate and understand the flow of your software.
    • Comprehensive Testing: We provide a robust suite of test cases, including unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests, to ensure all aspects of your software’s functionality are covered.
    • Effective Naming: Our code is self-documenting with meaningful names for classes, methods, and variables, making it easier to read and maintain.
    • Appropriate Logging: We use effective logging to trace program execution without overwhelming you with excessive details.
    • Useful Comments: Our comments clarify complex or unconventional parts of the code, aiding in understanding and future maintenance.

    Why should you want this now?

    When code isn’t written in a clear, understandable manner, founders can find themselves in a few tricky spots:

    1. Delayed Onboarding: New developers might struggle to understand the existing codebase, leading to longer onboarding times. Founders may have to spend additional time mentoring or even delay project timelines.
    2. Increased Errors: Ambiguous or poorly written code can lead to more bugs and errors. Founders might face frequent bug reports and a rise in technical debt, which could disrupt development schedules.
    3. Inefficient Development: Developers may spend excessive time deciphering and rewriting unclear code rather than focusing on new features or improvements. This inefficiency can slow down progress and increase development costs.
    4. Communication Breakdown: If the code isn’t well-documented or logically structured, it can create confusion among team members. Founders may experience communication breakdowns and misunderstandings, leading to misaligned goals and frustrations.
    5. Difficulty in Scaling: As the team grows, the challenges of maintaining and understanding poorly written code increase. Founders might struggle with scaling their product or onboarding new team members efficiently.
    6. Compromised Quality: Without clear code, the overall quality and reliability of the product might suffer. Founders could face customer complaints or issues that reflect poorly on their company’s reputation.
    7. Time Wasted on Refactoring: Founders might need to invest significant time and resources into refactoring code to make it more maintainable, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
    8. Loss of Talent: Top developers may be discouraged by working with messy code and might leave for environments with better coding practices, impacting the team’s talent pool.
    9. Increased Support Costs: Poorly written code can lead to frequent support requests and troubleshooting, increasing operational costs and diverting attention from product development.
    10. Difficulty in Adding Features: Adding new features or making changes to a poorly written codebase can be cumbersome and error-prone, leading to missed opportunities or delayed releases.

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