Top 10 Common Coding Mistakes You Need To Avoid

To err is human! And it's most certain for a developer to make mistakes while coding. If you manage to steer away from those mistakes, you’ll have a clean and structured code.

 

Not only will this benefit your coding, but also the other seekers who take a look at your work.

 

Here is a list of the most common mistakes that a coder can make and how one can avoid it.

Instead of inserting all inputs in one, try splitting them under various functions. This way, one function will be responsible for a specific output.

 

Lets say, we have a single function for - fetching,processing & presenting. This might overload and lead to underperforming functions. The better way out here is to split all three tasks into three different functions.

 

Well, that's just my two dimes!

If you wrote a post months ago for your future use with a ‘descriptive’ name for the variable, you’ll thank yourself for making your life easier. And if not, you’ll be spending quite a time looking through your collection.

 

Not only the habit of creating good variable names is gonna benefit you, but also the team members who might need to go through them in your absence.

I can’t emphasize enough on how important it is to maintain a consistent structure all throughout the code. A messy, unorganized construct depicts a hard to maintain code created by an amateur.

 

For instance, it doesn’t matter how you put the brackets or name variables with underlines or camel case, the only thing that is gonna stand out is how consistent your formatting looks throughout.

Not having the habit of backing up your work?

 

Well, this could lead to loss of years of hard work for the experienced ones and added frustration for the beginners. It's extremely important to have a backup of your code in case of all chips falling down.

 

To save you from drowning, markets are full of version control softwares that sync and save your work in case of a software or computer failure. Best of all, they work for free!

 

One such example is - GitHub

Use comments!

 

‘Comments’ are like grasping at straws for the non self-explanatory codes. Leaving little notes here and there helps to understand what’s happening around your code as it grows.

 

It's an added work? Sure! But what better way to describe a brilliant function written long ago? Comments are available in every language and for a reason.

 

Comments makes it easier to navigate, makes your work look cleaner and organized especially for the use of someone other than yourself.

Overwhelmed by the options of languages?

 

With the frequent entry of new languages in the market, it becomes difficult for the coders to decide which alternative serves the purpose best. C/C++/C# - Which framework to use? Python, Ruby or Scala for development?

 

In order to escape the ordinary, developers worry about the language choices. But they are the real problem solvers. Focus on the solution and the rest will fall into place.

 

The right grip on the basics, and you’ll have yourself a perfectly developed code. Languages are mere tools, it's your understanding of the solutions that will take you farther.

Debuggers - your new knight in shining armor!

 

Most IDEs have in-built debuggers that help them to watch your codes run line-by-line and find the problematic area. This way your issues with the code are solved like a cake walk.

 

So, the next time an error code pops on your screen, make sure to use debugger instead of diving in and reading every single word by yourself.

 

#TimeEfficiency.

The fancier code wins no awards!

 

It’s not a challenge to see who writes the trickiest or the most complicated functions of them all. The intent should be problem solving.

 

Simple codes are easier to write,maintain and understand. Get to the roots of the problem and try to make your code and life simpler and not hard to understand.

Don’t pop your eyes out!

 

You don’t have to sit in front of a computer for hours in order to achieve success. Take time off, really. Programming consumes your energy and makes you mentally exhausted.

 

Going for hours will not only strain your eyes but can cause serious health issues like- neck pains & body fatigues. It’s not wise to push your limits. Instead, take intervals and do something that refreshes you. Be it taking yourselves outdoors or listening to your favorite music. And  then start fresh. #HealthyLiving.

Draw a blueprint before building.

 

Complicated process like programming requires advance planning of the structure and the outlook. That requires knowing exactly what you want.

 

Instead of diving in directly with the code, figure out the problem first and then get to the solution. And later, thank us for making your life easier!

 

It’s easier to get into a rut while developing a code. Avoid making all the above mentioned mistakes and whatever be the problem, you’ll have the best solution in hand.

 

Hopefully, these tips will help you get your way and if you do have some of your own tips, share with me!