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The unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers

Coding is an art, a science, and a craft that continues to evolve as technology advances. While there are well-established guidelines and best practices in the coding world, there exist several unspoken rules that go beyond the syntax and algorithms. These unwritten norms shape the way developers approach problem-solving, collaboration, and even their own mindset toward coding. You know about the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.

The beauty of coding lies not just in writing functional code but in creating solutions that are clean, maintainable, and efficient. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned sage developer, there are subtle, often overlooked practices that define a good programmer. In this article, we will explore the unspoken rules of coding that both novice and experienced developers should understand and embrace.


1. Code with Readability in Mind

For novice and sage developers alike, one of the most fundamental unspoken rules is that code should be easy to read and understand. Writing code that works is just the beginning; making sure others (and your future self) can comprehend your work is what sets a good developer apart.

  • Novices: When starting, it’s tempting to write code that works without thinking much about readability. However, it’s essential to adopt clear naming conventions for variables, functions, and classes. Comment your code generously to explain your thought process, especially for complex or non-obvious parts. Avoid convoluted one-liners; instead, break the logic into smaller, self-explanatory steps.
  • Sages: As an experienced developer, you are expected to write “self-documenting” code—code that speaks for itself. This doesn’t mean that comments aren’t useful, but good code should require fewer of them. Master the art of choosing clear, descriptive names and structuring your code in a way that follows logical flow. Additionally, keep the codebase consistent, especially in large teams.

2. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Both novice and experienced developers often fall into the trap of creating custom solutions for problems that have already been solved. The internet is full of libraries, frameworks, and tools that can help speed up development and provide robust solutions.

  • Novices: You may feel like you need to code everything from scratch to learn the concepts, but don’t shy away from using existing resources when appropriate. Start using libraries or frameworks, even if you don’t fully understand how they work initially. This helps you focus on the problem you’re solving rather than reinventing a solution that already exists.
  • Sages: Experienced developers know that the goal is to optimize time and resources, not to prove how much they can code. Before writing new functionality, check for libraries or open-source solutions that can save time and reduce the complexity of your code. Contributing to these projects can also be a way to deepen your understanding of the technologies you’re using. You know about the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Regardless of how long you’ve been coding, every developer encounters challenges that seem insurmountable at times. The unspoken rule is that you should never be afraid to ask for help when you’re stuck.

  • Novices: It can be daunting to ask questions, especially in developer communities where some may have years of experience. But asking for help is part of learning. Whether it’s on Stack Overflow, in coding forums, or from a colleague, seek advice when you’re unsure. Asking questions helps you learn and grow faster.
  • Sages: Even experienced developers will have moments where they don’t have all the answers. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or even admit when you’re unsure. Collaboration fosters growth, and seeking input from others often leads to better solutions. Plus, it keeps you humble and open to new ideas.

4. Understand the Value of Testing

Testing is often seen as a separate task from coding, but it should be ingrained in the process of writing code from the start. While many novices avoid writing tests because they feel like an additional burden, seasoned developers know that thorough testing saves time in the long run.

  • Novices: As you learn to code, it’s easy to overlook testing or delay it until the end of the project. But adopting the habit of writing tests early on can save you from painful debugging later. Learn how to write unit tests, integration tests, and familiarize yourself with testing frameworks.
  • Sages: For experienced developers, testing should be second nature. You should be familiar with various types of testing—unit, integration, acceptance, and end-to-end. Sage developers embrace Test-Driven Development (TDD), which encourages writing tests before coding the actual functionality. They also encourage their teams to adopt continuous integration (CI) practices, ensuring that tests are run automatically with each change.

5. Be Disciplined with Version Control

Version control systems like Git are invaluable tools for tracking changes, collaborating with others, and maintaining a history of your code. Regardless of your experience level, understanding how to use version control properly is crucial. You know about the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.

  • Novices: If you’re new to version control, take the time to learn the basics of Git. Understanding commands like commit, push, pull, merge, and branch will make your life much easier. Make frequent, small commits with meaningful messages so you can track the progress of your work effectively.
  • Sages: Experienced developers are expected to have advanced Git knowledge. They should understand how to work with branches, resolve conflicts, and even manage Git workflows like GitFlow. Moreover, they should promote and practice good commit practices in their teams, encouraging meaningful commit messages and proper branching strategies.

6. Don’t Neglect the User Experience (UX)

Whether you’re developing an application, website, or API, the user experience should always be at the forefront of your mind. Many developers, especially novices, tend to focus on the technical aspects of coding and forget the impact their work has on the end-user.

  • Novices: As you write code, remember that it’s not just about making things work but about making things intuitive and user-friendly. Think about how the user will interact with your application and try to design flows that are smooth and logical. Even the smallest details—like button placements, error messages, or responsiveness—can affect UX.
  • Sages: Experienced developers know that UX design is an ongoing process. They prioritize clean, efficient code that supports a seamless user experience, and they work closely with designers to ensure the interface is user-friendly. Additionally, they advocate for user testing and feedback to ensure the product meets its intended goals.

7. Write Maintainable and Scalable Code

Good code doesn’t just work; it also needs to be scalable and maintainable. Both novice and sage developers should always strive to write code that is easy to modify, extend, and debug.

  • Novices: While it’s tempting to write code that solves the problem quickly, take the time to consider future changes. Structure your code with flexibility in mind, using modular and reusable components where possible. Avoid hardcoding values and instead use configuration files or environment variables.
  • Sages: Seasoned developers are adept at designing systems that can scale as requirements grow. They use design patterns, optimize performance, and ensure their code is modular and loosely coupled. They understand that writing maintainable code is an investment for the long-term health of a project.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Unspoken Rules

Whether you’re a novice just starting on your coding journey or a seasoned developer with years of experience, embracing the unspoken rules of coding can significantly enhance the quality of your work and help you evolve as a developer. Writing clean, readable code, collaborating effectively, and continuously learning are essential aspects of growth in the field of software development. So, take these unspoken rules to heart and let them guide you as you craft better, more efficient, and more user-centric solutions. You know about the unspoken rules of coding for both novice and sage developers.

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