Do you dream of taking your development skills to the next level? Adopting the right habits is key to improving your productivity, code quality, and job satisfaction. Here are the 10 essential habits every developer should master, with a bonus from ZeGuild.
1. Ultra-small commits
Making tiny commits is your secret weapon. They allow you to:
- Simplify code reviews.
- Make it easier to roll back if something goes wrong.
Tip: Commit as soon as you’ve reached a coherent step, even if it’s small.
2. Continuous refactoring
Apply Kent Beck’s mantra: improve your code in 10 minutes or less. Regular refactoring makes big changes much less intimidating and improves the overall quality of your code.
3. Fast deployment
Code that isn’t deployed remains a risk.
Deploy often and quickly to validate your progress and avoid surprises.
CI/CD pipelines are your allies in this mission.
4. Don’t test the framework
Avoid testing what your framework already handles. Focus on testing your specific components and features.
Fewer unnecessary tests = more time for what really matters.
5. Independent modules
When a piece of code feels “out of context,” it’s often a sign that it should become an independent module.
Modularising improves readability and makes maintenance easier.
6. Test first
Write tests before designing an API or feature.
Tests highlight use cases and scenarios you might not have thought of.
It’s also a great way to clarify your objectives right from the start.
7. No more copy-paste
Once is fine. Three times, it breaks! Instead of duplicating code, aim to create smart abstractions. This reduces bugs and simplifies future changes.
8. Embrace Design Changes
There is no perfect design. What works today might be outdated tomorrow.
Adapt and be ready to evolve your code.
This flexibility is what sets ordinary developers apart from exceptional ones.
9. Prioritise technical debt
Don’t drown in technical issues. Categorise them:
- Immediate blockers: solve them now.
- Future risks: plan for them.
- Not necessary today: ignore them (for now).
Pragmatic technical debt management is crucial in demanding work environments.
10. Testability = good design
If your code is hard to test, there’s probably a design issue. Simplify and modularise your code to make it easily testable.
Testable code is often well-designed code.
What you benefit from ZeGuild developers
At ZeGuild, we only select the top 3% of developers in Africa, and a key criterion is adopting these best practices.
These habits are the hallmark of elite developers who understand the importance of technical and organisational excellence.
Looking for an exceptional developer? Reach out to ZeGuild and access talent who master these habits for your startup.
It is therefore crutial to take your skills to the next level. These 10 habits are key levers to improving your development practice and advancing your career. Whether it’s code management, testability, or refactoring, every detail counts towards becoming an outstanding developer.
Ready to work with the best? Discover ZeGuild and its developers who live these principles every day.
