GAZAR

Principal Engineer | Mentor | Educator

Clean Code

21 items
Best Practices for Writing Isolated Tests in TypeScript
Best Practices for Writing Isolated Tests in TypeScript

April 19, 2024

Isolation is a fundamental principle in testing, ensuring that each test case operates independently of others, thereby enhancing test reliability and maintainability. In this article, we'll explore best practices for writing isolated tests in TypeScript, along with examples demonstrating how to achieve test isolation effectively.Key Best Practices:Tests should not rely on the state or outcome of other tests. Each test should set up its own context, execute the test scenario, and make assertions based solely on its own setup.Leverage setup (beforeEach) and teardown (afterEach) hooks to establish a clean state before each test runs and to clean up any resources afterward. This ensures that tests start and end in a predictable state, regardless of the order of execution.Replace real dependencies with test doubles such as stubs, mocks, or fakes to isolate the code under test from external influences. This allows tests to focus solely on the behavior of the unit being tested.By adhering to best practices for writing isolated tests in TypeScript, developers can create test suites that are robust, reliable, and maintainable. Avoiding test interdependencies, using setup and teardown hooks effectively, and stubbing external dependencies enable tests to focus on individual units of code, facilitating faster feedback and easier debugging.
Meaningful Test Concepts: Best Practices for Writing Tests in TypeScript
Meaningful Test Concepts: Best Practices for Writing Tests in TypeScript

April 19, 2024

When writing tests, it's crucial to ensure that each test case has a clear and meaningful concept, focusing on a specific behavior or scenario of the code under test. Meaningful test concepts improve test readability, maintainability, and effectiveness, making it easier to diagnose failures and understand the intent of the test suite. This article explores best practices for crafting meaningful test concepts in TypeScript and provides examples to illustrate these principles.Just as code adheres to the SRP, each test should focus on a single logical concept or behavior. Avoid combining multiple assertions or scenarios within a single test case, as it can make the test less readable and harder to diagnose when failures occur.Use descriptive test names that clearly communicate the intent and behavior being tested. A well-named test serves as documentation and helps developers understand the purpose of the test without diving into the implementation details.Ensure that tests cover edge cases, boundary conditions, and corner cases relevant to the functionality being tested. These tests help uncover potential bugs and ensure that the code behaves correctly under various scenarios.Example:Structure tests using the AAA pattern, where each test case consists of three distinct sections: arranging the preconditions, acting on the code under test, and asserting the expected outcomes. This pattern enhances test readability and clarity.By following best practices for crafting meaningful test concepts in TypeScript, developers can create test suites that are easy to understand, maintain, and extend. By focusing on single responsibilities, using clear and descriptive test names, covering edge cases, and adhering to the AAA pattern, tests become powerful tools for ensuring code quality and reliability.
Open-Closed Principle (OCP) Best Practices in TypeScript: Guidelines and Examples
Open-Closed Principle (OCP) Best Practices in TypeScript: Guidelines and Examples

April 19, 2024

The Open-Closed Principle (OCP) is a fundamental principle of object-oriented design that states that software entities (classes, modules, functions, etc.) should be open for extension but closed for modification. In TypeScript development, adhering to the OCP helps create code that is flexible, maintainable, and easy to extend without altering existing code.Key OCP Best Practices:Encapsulate behaviour using abstract classes and interfaces, defining contracts that specify the behaviour expected from concrete implementations. By programming to interfaces rather than concrete implementations, you can easily extend functionality without modifying existing code.Inject dependencies into classes or functions through constructor injection or method injection, allowing for the substitution of implementations at runtime. By decoupling dependencies from concrete implementations, you enable the application to be extended with new functionality without modifying existing code.Use the strategy pattern to encapsulate algorithms and allow them to be selected at runtime. By defining a family of algorithms and encapsulating each one into a separate class, you can easily introduce new algorithms without modifying existing code.(Design classes and modules with extension points that allow for customization and extension without modification. Use hooks, events, or plugins to provide extension points where additional functionality can be plugged in.By following OCP best practices in TypeScript development, developers can create code that is flexible, extensible, and easy to maintain. By embracing abstraction, dependency injection, the strategy pattern, and extension points, developers can build software systems that can evolve and adapt to changing requirements without sacrificing stability or introducing regressions.
Secure Programming and Resilience (SPR) Best Practices in TypeScript
Secure Programming and Resilience (SPR) Best Practices in TypeScript

April 19, 2024

Secure Programming and Resilience (SPR) refers to a set of principles and practices aimed at developing robust, secure, and resilient software systems. In TypeScript development, adhering to SPR best practices is crucial for building applications that can withstand security threats, failures, and unexpected events.Key SPR Best Practices:Ensure that all user input and external data are validated and sanitized to prevent injection attacks, such as SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF. Use TypeScript's type system and validation libraries to enforce data integrity and protect against malicious input.Example:Implement robust error handling mechanisms to gracefully handle exceptions, errors, and failures. Use TypeScript's try-catch blocks, error objects, and custom error classes to capture and handle errors effectively, providing informative error messages and logging for debugging and troubleshooting.Example:Secure endpoints and resources with proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. Use TypeScript frameworks like Express.js with middleware such as Passport.js for implementing authentication strategies like JWT, OAuth, or session-based authentication, and enforce access control based on user roles and permissionsProtect sensitive data by encrypting it at rest and in transit. Use TypeScript libraries like crypto-js for symmetric and asymmetric encryption, and TLS/SSL for secure communication over HTTPS.Design applications with resilience in mind to handle failures and recover gracefully. Implement fault tolerance mechanisms such as circuit breakers, retries, and timeouts to mitigate cascading failures and ensure system availability and performance under adverse conditions.By following SPR best practices in TypeScript development, developers can build secure, resilient, and high-quality software systems that protect against security threats, handle errors gracefully, and maintain performance and availability in the face of failures. By incorporating input validation, error handling, authentication and authorization, data encryption, and resilient architecture into their applications, developers can create robust solutions that meet the highest standards of security and reliability.
Prefer Composition Over Inheritance in TypeScript: Best Practices and Examples
Prefer Composition Over Inheritance in TypeScript: Best Practices and Examples

April 19, 2024

While inheritance allows for code reuse through subclassing, it can lead to tight coupling, brittle designs, and inheritance hierarchies that are difficult to maintain. In contrast, composition promotes a more flexible and modular approach by assembling objects from smaller, reusable components. This article explores the benefits of preferring composition over inheritance in TypeScript and provides best practices and examples to guide developers in leveraging composition effectively.Example of CompositionBy preferring composition over inheritance in TypeScript, developers can build more flexible, modular, and maintainable software systems. By embracing the principles of composition, encapsulation, loose coupling, and code reuse, developers can create cleaner, more extensible codebases that are easier to understand, test, and evolve over time.
Method Chaining in TypeScript: Best Practices and Examples
Method Chaining in TypeScript: Best Practices and Examples

April 19, 2024

Method chaining is a powerful technique in object-oriented programming that allows consecutive method calls on an object in a fluent and concise manner. This pattern enhances code readability and maintainability by reducing the need for temporary variables and improving code expressiveness. In this article, we'll explore best practices for method chaining in TypeScript, along with examples to demonstrate its usage and benefits.Method chaining is a versatile technique for building fluent and expressive APIs in TypeScript. By adhering to best practices such as returning this, chaining immutable operations, documenting support, avoiding side effects, and using method chaining judiciously, developers can harness the power of method chaining to write clean, readable, and maintainable code.
Encapsulating Variables: Best Practices with TypeScript
Encapsulating Variables: Best Practices with TypeScript

April 19, 2024

Encapsulation is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming that involves bundling data and methods that operate on that data into a single unit, known as a class. By encapsulating variables within classes, developers can control access to the data and enforce rules for its manipulation, leading to more robust and maintainable code. In this article, we'll explore best practices for encapsulating variables in TypeScript, along with examples to illustrate these concepts.Example: Encapsulating Variables in TypeScriptEncapsulating variables using access modifiers, accessors, and related data grouping is a foundational practice in object-oriented programming. By following best practices for encapsulation, developers can create more maintainable, reliable, and secure TypeScript codebases. Encapsulation promotes data integrity, facilitates code reuse, and improves overall software quality.
Avoiding Negative Conditions: Best Practices with TypeScript
Avoiding Negative Conditions: Best Practices with TypeScript

April 19, 2024

In TypeScript development, writing clear, readable, and maintainable code is essential for effective collaboration and long-term maintainability. One common pitfall that can hinder code readability is the use of negative conditions, which can make code harder to understand and reason about. In this article, we'll explore best practices for avoiding negative conditions in TypeScript code, along with examples to illustrate these concepts.Negative conditions refer to conditional statements or expressions that check for the absence or negation of a certain condition. These conditions typically involve negating boolean expressions using keywords such as not, !, or !==. While negative conditions can be valid in some scenarios, they often introduce cognitive overhead and make code more challenging to comprehend.Avoiding negative conditions in TypeScript code promotes clarity, readability, and maintainability. By favoring positive conditionals, using descriptive variable names, refactoring complex conditions, and considering early returns, developers can write more understandable and maintainable codebases. Embracing these best practices contributes to better code quality and enhances the overall developer experience.
Avoiding Side Effects in Functions: Best Practices with TypeScript
Avoiding Side Effects in Functions: Best Practices with TypeScript

April 19, 2024

In TypeScript development, writing functions with minimal side effects is crucial for maintaining code reliability, predictability, and ease of debugging. Side effects occur when a function modifies state outside its scope, leading to unexpected behavior and making code harder to understand. In this article, we'll explore the importance of avoiding side effects in functions, discuss best practices for achieving this, and provide TypeScript examples to illustrate these concepts effectively.Understanding Side Effects:Side effects in functions can manifest in various forms, including:Functions that perform I/O operations are prone to side effects because they interact with external resources whose state can change. It's essential for developers to be aware of these potential side effects and design their functions carefully to minimize unintended behavior and maintain the integrity of the application's data and resources.Avoiding side effects in functions is essential for writing clean, maintainable, and predictable code in TypeScript. By following best practices such as writing pure functions, embracing immutability, and using functional composition, developers can minimize the risk of unintended side effects and create more robust software systems.
Avoiding Overwriting Function Inputs: Best Practices in TypeScript
Avoiding Overwriting Function Inputs: Best Practices in TypeScript

April 19, 2024

In TypeScript development, it's crucial to adopt practices that promote code stability, maintainability, and prevent unintended side effects. One such practice is avoiding the overwriting of function inputs, which can lead to unexpected behavior and make code harder to reason about. In this article, we'll explore the importance of this practice, its benefits, and provide practical examples in TypeScript to demonstrate how to adhere to it effectively.Why Avoid Overwriting Function Inputs Matters:Overwriting function inputs refers to the practice of modifying the values of function parameters within the function body. While it may seem convenient at first, it can lead to several issues:Avoiding the overwriting of function inputs is a best practice in TypeScript development that promotes code stability, readability, and maintainability. By treating function parameters as immutable values and adhering to functional programming principles, developers can create cleaner, more predictable code that is easier to understand, debug, and maintain.
Decoupling Functions and Methods: Best Practices in TypeScript
Decoupling Functions and Methods: Best Practices in TypeScript

April 19, 2024

In software development, decoupling larger functions and methods is essential for improving code maintainability, readability, and testability. Decoupling allows breaking down complex logic into smaller, reusable units, making it easier to understand and modify. In this article, we'll explore the importance of decoupling, best practices for achieving it in TypeScript, and provide practical examples to demonstrate these concepts.Decoupling is the process of reducing interdependencies between different parts of a system. It promotes modularity, flexibility, and easier code maintenance. By decoupling functions and methods, developers can isolate concerns, making it easier to change one part of the code without affecting others. This leads to cleaner, more maintainable codebases.Example: Decoupling with TypeScriptDecoupled Function with Dependency InjectionDecoupling functions and methods is crucial for building maintainable, flexible software systems. By following best practices such as the Single Responsibility Principle, Dependency Injection, and embracing functional programming principles, developers can create modular, reusable code that is easier to understand, test, and maintain. In TypeScript, these principles can be applied effectively to improve code quality and promote codebase longevity.
Reducing Input Variables in TypeScript Functions
Reducing Input Variables in TypeScript Functions

April 19, 2024

In TypeScript development, functions with a high number of input variables can become cumbersome to manage and maintain. Excessive input variables often indicate low cohesion, making functions less reusable and harder to test. In this article, we'll explore techniques for reducing the number of input variables in functions, improving cohesion, and enhancing code readability. With practical examples in TypeScript, we'll demonstrate how to refactor functions to maximize cohesion and minimize complexity.Strategies:By minimizing the number of input variables in functions, developers can enhance cohesion, improve code maintainability, and promote reusability. Through refactoring techniques such as grouping related data, using default parameters, and introducing configuration objects, functions can become more focused, concise, and easier to use. With these strategies and examples in TypeScript, developers can write cleaner, more cohesive codebases that are easier to understand and maintain over time.
Naming Conventions in TypeScript: Best Practices for Classes, Functions, Types, Interfaces, Variables and Parameters
Naming Conventions in TypeScript: Best Practices for Classes, Functions, Types, Interfaces, Variables and Parameters

April 19, 2024

Choosing appropriate names for classes, functions, and parameters is crucial for writing clean, maintainable code in TypeScript. In this article, we'll delve into the best practices and naming conventions for each of these elements, accompanied by practical examples in TypeScript. By following these guidelines, developers can enhance code readability, facilitate collaboration, and foster consistency across projects.Naming Classes:Classes represent blueprints for objects in TypeScript, and naming them appropriately is essential for conveying their purpose and role in the system. Here are some best practices for naming classes:Naming Functions:Functions encapsulate specific behavior or operations within a program. Clear and descriptive function names contribute to code readability and understanding. Consider the following guidelines when naming functions:Naming Parameters:Parameters are inputs provided to functions or methods to perform computations or operations. Well-named parameters enhance code clarity and improve readability. Follow these principles when naming function parameters:Naming Types:Types define custom data structures and are used to describe the shape of objects in TypeScript. Clear and descriptive type names contribute to code clarity and understanding. Consider the following principles when naming types:Naming Variables:Variables represent storage locations for data values and are integral to writing expressive and understandable code. Meaningful variable names improve code readability and maintainability. Consider the following principles for naming variables:Conclusion:Adhering to consistent and meaningful naming conventions for classes, functions, and parameters is vital for producing clean, understandable code in TypeScript. By following the best practices outlined in this article, developers can create codebases that are easier to comprehend, maintain, and extend. Remember, clarity and consistency in naming contribute significantly to the overall quality of software projects.
YAGNI, You Aren't Gonna Need It, Software Development, TypeScript, Clean Code
YAGNI, You Aren't Gonna Need It, Software Development, TypeScript, Clean Code

April 19, 2024

The YAGNI principle, coined as part of Extreme Programming (XP) practices, suggests that developers should refrain from implementing functionality until it's deemed necessary. The core idea is to avoid adding features or components based on speculative requirements or anticipated future needs. Instead, focus on solving the immediate problem at hand without over-engineering.Rather than pre-emptively adding extensive error handling or optimization logic, start with minimal functionality that fulfils the immediate requirementsAvoid prematurely abstracting common functionality into reusable components unless there's a clear indication of repeated usage.When refactoring existing code, resist the temptation to add additional features unless they're required for immediate useIn TDD, follow the YAGNI principle by writing tests only for the current functionality being implemented. Avoid writing excessive test cases for future scenarios that aren't part of the immediate requirements.By embracing the YAGNI principle in TypeScript development, developers can maintain a focus on delivering simple, effective solutions that meet present needs without unnecessary complexity. This approach leads to cleaner, more maintainable codebases that are easier to understand, refactor, and extend as requirements evolve. Remember, less is often more in software development, and adhering to YAGNI promotes a lean, pragmatic approach to building software.
KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid
KISS Principle: Keep It Simple, Stupid

April 16, 2024

The KISS principle encourages developers to favor simple solutions over complex ones. It emphasizes the importance of clarity, readability, and maintainability in code by discouraging unnecessary complexity, abstraction, or over-engineering. The essence of the KISS principle is to strive for simplicity in design without sacrificing functionality or robustness.Importance of the KISS Principle:OR Even betterThe KISS principle is a guiding philosophy for TypeScript developers seeking to write clean, maintainable, and scalable code. By prioritizing simplicity and clarity, TypeScript developers can create codebases that are easier to understand, maintain, and extend over time. Incorporate the KISS principle into your TypeScript development practices to streamline your codebase, enhance collaboration, and accelerate development cycles.
Embracing the DRY Principle: Best Practices for Don't Repeat Yourself in Programming
Embracing the DRY Principle: Best Practices for Don't Repeat Yourself in Programming

April 16, 2024

The DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle is a fundamental concept in software development that emphasizes code reusability and maintainability. In this technical article, we'll delve into the DRY principle, discuss its importance in writing clean and efficient code, and provide practical strategies and examples for applying it effectively in programming.The DRY principle states that every piece of knowledge or logic in a software system should have a single, unambiguous representation. In other words, code duplication should be avoided whenever possible, and common functionality should be abstracted into reusable components.Best Practices for Applying the DRY Principle:The DRY principle is a cornerstone of software development that promotes code reusability, maintainability, and scalability. By identifying common patterns, extracting reusable components, and fostering a culture of code reuse, developers can create cleaner, more efficient codebases that are easier to maintain and extend over time. Embrace the DRY principle in your programming practices to write better code and become a more effective developer.
Mid-Sized Components and Functions: Best Practices for Modular and Maintainable Code
Mid-Sized Components and Functions: Best Practices for Modular and Maintainable Code

April 16, 2024

Mid-sized components and functions represent a level of granularity in software design that strikes a balance between fine-grained, atomic functions and large, monolithic components. They encapsulate cohesive sets of functionality that are too complex to be contained within a single function but not large enough to warrant their own module or microservice. Examples include processing logic for a specific feature, data manipulation operations, or UI components with moderate complexity.How many lines are acceptable as a mid-size component?The number of lines considered acceptable for a mid-sized component can vary depending on factors such as the programming language, the complexity of the functionality, and the coding standards of the project or team. However, as a general guideline:For most programming languages, a mid-sized component typically ranges from around 50 to 200 lines of code.Components smaller than 50 lines of code are often considered small or atomic functions, while components larger than 200 lines of code may start to become complex and difficult to maintain.Importance of Mid-Sized Components and Functions:Mid-sized components and functions are essential building blocks in software development, enabling modular, maintainable, and scalable codebases. By following best practices such as adhering to the SRP, using clear naming conventions, encapsulating functionality, and prioritizing testability, developers can design and implement mid-sized components and functions that are robust, reusable, and easy to understand. Embrace the concept of mid-sized components and functions in your software projects to achieve better organization, flexibility, and collaboration among your development team.
"Change is Local": Strategies for Flexible and Adaptable Programming
"Change is Local": Strategies for Flexible and Adaptable Programming

April 16, 2024

"Change is Local" is a mindset that emphasizes designing software in such a way that changes are confined to localized areas of the codebase. Instead of rippling through the entire system, changes are contained within specific modules, classes, or functions, minimizing the impact on other parts of the code.Benefits of Embracing "Change is Local":"Change is Local" is a powerful principle that can help developers write code that is more flexible, adaptable, and maintainable. By following strategies such as modular design, SRP, dependency injection, and continuous refactoring, developers can embrace change as a natural part of the software development process. By adopting the "Change is Local" mindset, teams can build software that is more resilient to change and better positioned to meet evolving requirements and challenges.
High Cohesion in Software Development: Best Practices and Implementation Strategies
High Cohesion in Software Development: Best Practices and Implementation Strategies

April 16, 2024

High cohesion refers to the degree to which elements within a module or component are related to each other and contribute to a single, well-defined purpose or responsibility. Modules with high cohesion have tightly focused functionality and are easier to understand, maintain, and reuse.Benefits of High Cohesion:Example: High Cohesion in TypeScriptHigh cohesion is a key principle in software design that promotes readability, maintainability, and reusability of code. By following best practices such as adhering to the SRP, encapsulating related functionality, and modularizing code, developers can achieve high cohesion in their applications. Embracing high cohesion leads to cleaner, more maintainable codebases that are easier to understand, test, and evolve over time.
Decoupling Components: Best Practices for Loose Coupling
Decoupling Components: Best Practices for Loose Coupling

April 16, 2024

Loose coupling is a fundamental principle in software engineering that promotes modularity, flexibility, and maintainability in codebases. In TypeScript, loose coupling is achieved by reducing dependencies between software components, allowing them to evolve independently. In this technical article, we'll delve into the concept of loose coupling, explore its benefits, and provide practical strategies and examples for implementing loose coupling in TypeScript projects.Understanding Loose Coupling:Loose coupling refers to the degree of dependency between software components. In a loosely coupled system, components interact with each other through well-defined interfaces or contracts, minimizing direct dependencies. This decoupling enables easier maintenance, testing, and evolution of individual components without impacting the entire system.Benefits of Loose Coupling:Loose coupling is a critical aspect of building maintainable and scalable software systems, and TypeScript provides powerful features and tools for achieving it effectively. By following best practices such as dependency injection, interfaces and abstractions, and clear separation of concerns, developers can create loosely coupled TypeScript applications that are flexible, modular, and easy to maintain. Embrace the principles of loose coupling in your TypeScript projects to unlock the benefits of better scalability, testability, and code reusability.