Tech Debt

The basic definition of the tech debt could be as simple as doing something quickly then properly.

Types:

We can categorized tech debt in below categories:

Code Debt
Architectural Debt
Knowledge Debt
Test Debt
Technological Debt

Code Debt

Signs to identify Code debt:

Complicated Code
- large classes
- long methods
- logic with complicated expression
- several level of identation
- cryptic names
- no comments or worthless comments
- Solution:
  - Wrtting code for developers not for computer.
  - WRITE clean code.
CUT and PASTE coding
- code smell
Tight coupling between components
- hard to change relationships

Warning Sign:
large time to get the code which need to change, tight coupling.
1 hr of written code is 10 hrs of reading code.

Architectural Debt

Signs to identify architectural debt:

Lack of the design
Requirements are going to change over the time
Not possible to anticipate the future features
Solution
- Initial architecture not going to be perfect, it should be flexible.
- Missing Layer: Do not combine layers. eg : presentation + bussiness in the same layer.
- Missing extensibility Points: to allow new feature to plug in easily. OPEN and CLOSE principle.
- Overlooked Concerns: security, scalability, performance.

Warning Sign:
saying can’t be done
hacking new feature-in doing it anyway assuming the customer wont notice.

Knowledge Debt

Signs to identify knowledge debt:

Its tech Debt of Skill in simple words.
lack of skill set in the tech stack used in the team, however the team is still delivering features.
more copy-paste from intenet; without understanding
Solution:
- Keep on finding gaps between the skillset in the team and tech stack used
- use well tested constructs

Test Debt

Signs to identify test debts:

not thorough test cases.
missing code quality checks and tools
not well written unit tests, missing coverage
Solution:
- Follow TDD approach
- Write failing unit test case first
- Write enough code that make the test pass

Technological Debt

Todo

Improving is a never-ending journey. Perfection is a state that cannot be achieved – we will always strive for it. The important thing is not to stay behind.

Stay tuned for the updates!!