8 Unwritten Rules of Web Development

Today, I’m diving into a topic that often goes unspoken but is crucial for anyone venturing into the world of web development: "The Unwritten Rules of Web Development."

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, these nuggets of wisdom can hopefully help you navigate the digital landscape with confidence and finesse.

Let’s dive in.

1. Embrace the Power of Clean Code

Numero uno golden rule: write clean, readable code. Think of your code as a story that others (and future you) might read. Keep it organized and well-documented. Edit and refine it much as you’d do for a graded paper or blog post you publish.

For some practical tips, use meaningful variable names and consistent formatting. Stick to patterns others can adopt or adopt a team-wide system that everyone can agree on.

This makes your code easier to understand and simplifies debugging and collaboration. In return, this takes everyone less time and leads to better outcomes, whether business or performance gains.

2. Stay Updated, Stay Relevant

The tech world is ever-evolving, and so should you. You can't depend on a college, course, or something stagnant to learn from.

Keep an eye on the latest trends, tools, and frameworks. You don’t need to be a generalist as often, but it’s good to be aware of what's happening outside your bubble.

Subscribe to newsletters, join forums, and participate in streams. Continuous learning is vital to staying ahead in web development. But don't just chase every new shiny tool; evaluate what truly adds value to your projects.

3. Prioritize User Experience

Your website is for users, not just for you. Think of them first and empathize hard from their perspectives.

UX should be a core principle in new features or software since it ultimately dictates success.

Ensure your site is intuitive, accessible, and responsive. A seamless UX delights users and boosts engagement and conversion rates. Test your designs with real users and be open to feedback.

4. Security is Non-Negotiable

In an era of rampant data breaches, security should be at the forefront of your development process. Implement best practices like HTTPS, data encryption, and regular security audits. Protecting user data isn't just a responsibility; it's a trust-building exercise with your audience.

5. Version Control is Your Best Friend

If you're not using version control, start today. Tools like Git help you track changes, collaborate with others, and roll back to previous versions if something breaks. They're a lifesaver when working on complex projects and ensure you can experiment without fear.

6. Over-communicate and try to collaborate

Web development is rarely a solo endeavor. We’re often building on the backs of giants with open-source software and protocols like email, web browsers, the Internet, servers, and more.

Effective communication with your team, clients, and stakeholders is crucial. Be clear, concise, and open to feedback. Be okay with abandoning a solid stance on something. I like the “disagree and commit” philosophy myself. This means to suck it up and press forward so progress isn’t hindered, even if you don’t like the direction at times.

Collaboration tools like Basecamp, Trello, or Asana can streamline project management and keep everyone on the same page. I prefer async communication 99% of the time. If you need instant feedback, Zoom or synchronous chat tools might serve you well.

7. Test, Test, and Test Again

Never underestimate the power of testing. It’s more work but saves more time in the long run. From unit tests to integration tests, ensure your site works flawlessly across different devices and browsers.

Automated testing tools can save time and catch bugs early in development.

8. Document Your Journey

Good documentation is invaluable. Ensure your work is well-documented, whether it's a README file, API documentation, or inline comments. This helps others understand your code and aids in future updates and maintenance. This is especially true for SaaS products, where much time can be wasted in support chats or threads over obvious solutions you may have failed to document publicly.

Conclusion

Web development is as much about creativity as it is about discipline. Stick with these nuggets, and I'm sure you'll level up whenever you sit down to get to work.