As a Java developer, you want to ensure that you’re writing code that is efficient and easy to maintain. However, a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid if you want to achieve these goals. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common errors made by Java developers and how to avoid them. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks!
Never Memorize Codes
As a Java developer, you’ll want to make sure that you never memorize code. Code is always changing and progressing. If you memorize code, you’ll likely have to relearn it at some point down the road. Instead of memorizing code, focus on understanding the underlying concepts. Looking up information is easier than trying to memorize it, and this allows you to apply your knowledge in new ways too.
Don’t Rely on Code Completion
While intelligent code completion can be a helpful tool, you should rely on it sparingly. Code completion is often inaccurate, leading to errors in your code. In addition, it can sometimes introduce irrelevant errors in your code. If you find yourself relying on code completion, take a step back and make sure that you understand the concepts behind what you’re writing. If you need help understanding the code, consult a colleague or reference material.
Don’t Use Unnecessary Libraries
There are a lot of libraries out there that can be helpful for Java development. However, you shouldn’t use more libraries than necessary. This is because each library comes with its own set of dependencies and potential security risks. Unused code can quickly become clutter, so only use the libraries you understand and will need.
Don’t Write Inefficient Code
Java is a very powerful language, but that doesn’t mean that you should write inefficient code. If you accomplish this, your code will be hard to keep up in the future. When you’re writing Java code, always think about how you can optimize it. For example, you might want to use a data structure that is more efficient for the task at hand. Or, you might want to use a different algorithm that is more efficient.
Don’t Use Static Methods Excessively
While static methods can be convenient, you should avoid using them excessively. This is because they can make your code more difficult to maintain. If you need to change the behaviour of a static method, you will likely have to modify all of the code that uses it. This can be a major irritant, particularly if your code is widely used. Having to rewrite it all can take up a lot of time and, in some cases, may not even be attainable. In general, you should only use static methods when necessary.
Don’t Write Long Methods
Long methods are often difficult to understand and maintain. A method that is becoming too long can be split into smaller methods to make it more manageable. This can create your code more legible and more straightforward to understand. In addition, it will be easier to unit test your code if it is broken up into smaller methods. In addition, long methods are often a sign that you need to follow the Single Responsibility Principle.
Don’t Neglect Documentation
Documentation is an important part of Java development. Not only does it deliver details about your code to other developers, but Doxygen can also generate API documentation. If you take the time to document your code, other developers will find it easier to interpret. Not only will you spend more time deciphering your code, but others will too. because of this, high-quality documentation is key.
Don’t Ignore Exceptions
Exceptions are an important part of Java development. They can be used to handle errors and unexpected situations. However, many developers choose to ignore exceptions. This is not a good idea, as it can lead to code that behaves in unexpected ways. In addition, ignoring exceptions can make your code more difficult to debug. Therefore, you should always handle exceptions in your code.
There are certain style choices to avoid when writing Java code, as seen above. Also, you need to know about java code testing tools since they can make code testing easier and ensure that your code is error-free.
Conclusion
Now that you know about some of the things to avoid when writing Java code, you can be sure that your code will be more maintainable and easier to understand. In addition, you will also be able to avoid common mistakes that many developers make. If you want your code to be successful, follow these guidelines.