After a decade in software development, the author reflects on evolving perspectives. Initially valuing DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principles above all, they now prioritize readability and understand that some duplication is acceptable. Early career enthusiasm for TDD (Test-Driven Development) has mellowed into a more pragmatic approach, recognizing its value but not treating it as dogma. Similarly, the author's strict adherence to OOP (Object-Oriented Programming) has given way to a more flexible style, embracing functional programming concepts when appropriate. Overall, the author advocates for a balanced, context-driven approach to software development, prioritizing practical solutions over rigid adherence to any single paradigm.
Good software development habits prioritize clarity and maintainability. This includes writing clean, well-documented code with meaningful names and consistent formatting. Regular refactoring, testing, and the use of version control are crucial for managing complexity and ensuring code quality. Embracing a growth mindset through continuous learning and seeking feedback further strengthens these habits, enabling developers to adapt to changing requirements and improve their skills over time. Ultimately, these practices lead to more robust, easier-to-maintain software and a more efficient development process.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the article's premise regarding good software development habits. Several commenters emphasized the importance of writing clear and concise code with good documentation. One commenter highlighted the benefit of pair programming and code reviews for improving code quality and catching errors early. Another pointed out that while the habits listed were good, they needed to be contextualized based on the specific project and team. Some discussion centered around the trade-off between speed and quality, with one commenter suggesting focusing on "good enough" rather than perfection, especially in early stages. There was also some skepticism about the practicality of some advice, particularly around extensive documentation, given the time constraints faced by developers.
Summary of Comments ( 726 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42946281
Commenters on Hacker News largely agreed with the author's points about the importance of shipping software frequently, embracing simplicity, and focusing on the user experience. Several highlighted the shift away from premature optimization and the growing appreciation for "boring" technologies that prioritize stability and maintainability. Some discussed the author's view on testing, with some suggesting that the appropriate level of testing depends on the specific project and context. Others shared their own experiences and evolving perspectives on similar topics, echoing the author's sentiment about the continuous learning process in software development. A few commenters pointed out the timeless nature of some of the author's original beliefs, like the value of automated testing and continuous integration, suggesting that these practices remain relevant and beneficial even a decade later.
The Hacker News post "Software development topics I've changed my mind on" (linking to an article by Chris Kiehl) generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters sharing their own evolving perspectives on software development practices.
Several commenters echoed the author's sentiment about the importance of shipping code frequently and iterating based on feedback. One commenter highlighted the value of "getting something – anything – in front of users" as early as possible to validate assumptions and gather real-world insights. This resonated with another commenter who emphasized the learning process that unfolds when software meets actual users, noting that this real-world feedback loop is essential for refining and improving the product.
The discussion also touched on the balance between perfectionism and pragmatism. One commenter cautioned against striving for an elusive "perfect" architecture, arguing that focusing on immediate needs and iteratively improving the design is a more effective approach. Another commenter acknowledged the allure of "greenfield" projects but emphasized the value of working with existing codebases, describing it as a crucial skill for any developer. They further suggested that inheriting and evolving existing systems offers valuable lessons in practical software development that greenfield projects often lack.
The topic of premature optimization also emerged, with one commenter mentioning their shift away from over-engineering and towards simpler, more straightforward solutions. They suggested that complexity should be introduced only when necessary, guided by profiling and actual performance bottlenecks rather than preemptive assumptions.
Another commenter offered a slightly different perspective on testing, acknowledging its importance but cautioning against excessive reliance on automated tests. They argued that some forms of testing can become burdensome and time-consuming, ultimately slowing down the development process. This individual advocated for a more pragmatic approach to testing, prioritizing tests that deliver the greatest value.
Finally, a recurring theme throughout the comments was the continuous evolution of best practices in software development. Several commenters emphasized the importance of staying open-minded and adaptable, recognizing that what works in one context may not be appropriate in another. This sentiment reinforces the idea that software development is a dynamic field where continuous learning and reevaluation are essential.