Code is the basis of many aspects of modern business, from the programs and tools that organizations use to do business to the products consumers use. Efficiency in coding is essential to the broader efficiency of an organization. Here are six tips for increasing your business’s coding efficiency.
1) INVEST IN STATIC CODE ANALYSIS
You should invest in a code analysis tool to help your developers review code in a non-executing state, also called a static state. These tools are usually specific to one coding language, such as Python or Javascript static analysis, so you should make sure you choose the correct tool and implement it accordingly.
Static code analysis tools allow your developers to automate the review process. Instead of each developer taking time away from his or her own work to review another’s code, the developer can run the static code analysis tool to read his or her code and check for bugs, defects, and functionality.
2) USE EFFICIENT DOCUMENTATION
There’s a fine line between including all necessary information in your documentation and including unnecessary information in it. You should make an effort to make sure your coding documentation straddles this line effectively.
You want your developers to have access to all information regarding best practices, coding standards, guides to use your coding tools, and guidelines for how to comment on and edit code.
However, you don’t want your documentation to be repetitive. Make sure all guiding documentation is as efficiently structured as possible and that code is written in such a way that its function is obvious and requires no additional commentary.
3) COLLABORATE
Collaboration is key to efficiency. Your developers need to be aware of what their teammates are doing so they don’t accidentally overwrite someone else’s work or lock someone out of a program he or she needs to access. They also need to be able to quickly be brought up to speed on their coworkers’ project statuses when they’re asked to edit or test various aspects of the code.
Collaboration helps ensure workflows progress smoothly and projects don’t hit roadblocks.
4) PRACTICE CODE OPTIMIZATION
Code optimization, also called software or program optimization, is a method of modifying a software system so it requires fewer resources to run or can execute commands more quickly or automatically.
This method of improving efficiency is particularly useful due to how versatile it is. No two code optimizations will be the same. Instead, the way you optimize your software systems will be unique to your organization and its needs.
5) UTILIZE VERSION CONTROL
Version control should be utilized on all projects, especially major ones. Version control ensures a developer can’t accidentally access another’s code and overwrite it. It also helps prevent developers from overwriting their own coding work.
Also called source control, this tool allows developers to manage the changes they make to lines of code. It’s similar to the tracked changes feature used in most word processors.
A version control tool can store every modification made to a program’s code and restore previous versions from automatic or manual save points, whenever necessary.
6) AUTOMATE
One of the most effective tools for improving efficiency is automation.
You can automate your coding in various ways, including the previously mentioned static code analysis tools. You can implement artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to write simple lines of code, review and edit code, or debug and fix simple coding mistakes. You can leverage many code editing tools to either fully automate the review and editing process or assist your developers in catching and fixing coding errors. You can also utilize programs to test code to see if it works and seek out potential bugs so your developers know what adjustments need to be made.
There are many ways to improve your business’s coding efficiency, but ideally, you’ll find a mix of strategies that work for you. You should look at your current coding practices and consider what methods your developers could benefit from and how you should implement them.
