The Unseen Pitfalls in JavaScript Development: A Cautionary Guide
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Developer Mistakes
No programmer enjoys making errors. Each of us strives for flawless code that is not only free of bugs but also easily comprehensible by others. Yet, there are certain blunders that can lead to significant challenges down the line—mistakes we often overlook until it’s too late. Here, we will explore four such mistakes.
Section 1.1: The Trouble with Long Descriptive Names
While concise names can lack context, overly lengthy and complex names can be equally problematic. Although descriptive names are generally beneficial, when they become excessively verbose, they can confuse those reading the code.
For example, consider a function named:
vectorControl.addAndDisplayModifiedAndCopiedScalers();
This name raises ambiguity: does it add and display scalers that are both modified and copied, or does it handle two separate categories? This confusion can be daunting for novices, leading them to shy away from long function names altogether.
To mitigate this, break down lengthy functions into manageable parts. For instance, the above function can be divided into four distinct functions:
vectorControl.addCopiedScalers();
vectorControl.displayModifiedScalers();
vectorControl.addModifiedScalers();
vectorControl.displayCopiedScalers();
Remember, the issue often lies not with the length of the names, but rather with the lack of clear abstraction.
Learn about the five biggest mistakes developers make that waste valuable time.
Section 1.2: Violating the DRY Principle with Comments
"Don’t Repeat Yourself" is a mantra frequently echoed in the development community. However, this principle can be compromised in unexpected ways. For instance, if you write self-explanatory code but supplement it with comments that reiterate the same information, you are duplicating knowledge unnecessarily.
Take these examples:
return 1; //returns 1
getUserInfo(); //This function helps to get user information.
i--; //decrease the value of i by 1
If your comments fail to enhance the understanding of the code, it’s better to omit them.
Chapter 2: Embracing Functionality and Clarity
Discover five critical mistakes that could be hindering your coding progress.
Section 2.1: The Importance of Small Functions
A significant portion of a developer’s day is spent reading code—whether fixing bugs, studying documentation, or learning a new framework. Ideally, functions should be concise, ideally ranging between 50 to 100 lines.
Functions exceeding 200 lines can be particularly daunting. For example:
function payEmployees(employees) {
employees.forEach(employee => {
const employeeRecord = database.lookup(employee);
if (employeeRecord.isActive()) {
pay(employee);}
});
}
This can be effectively split into two smaller, more readable functions:
function payActiveEmployees(employees) {
employees.filter(isActiveEmployee).forEach(pay);
}
function isActiveEmployee(employee) {
const employeeRecord = database.lookup(employee);
return employeeRecord.isActive();
}
By maintaining smaller functions, developers can significantly ease the cognitive load during code review.
Section 2.2: Emotional Detachment in Coding
Maintaining an emotional distance from your code is a valuable skill. When code becomes obsolete, it’s essential to remove it without personal attachment. If you perceive your code as an extension of yourself, feedback can feel like a personal attack.
By practicing emotional detachment, you can receive constructive criticism positively, allowing for necessary changes without defensiveness.
Summary
Avoid long, convoluted names. Be wary of comments that violate the DRY principle. Prioritize writing smaller functions. Remember, your code does not define you.