Software development is an interesting field. From the corporate world to the startup scene, development is changing, evolving and revolutionizing. The landscape is always in motion and it can be hard to keep up.

To ensure smooth integration of all the processes involved in software development it is important to have set certain standard operating procedures.

On the other side, software development projects are very agile. Thus, it is difficult to define a pure set of processes for the complete software development cycle.

That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favorite best practices for software developers from across the globe and across different industries; and found that there are a few common threads between them for developers to follow.

1. Simplicity & readability of the code
2. Code Coherence & Documentation
3. Setting timeline
4. End-to-end testing & Regular reviews

Let’s have a deeper look at the best practices and how they help enhance the overall process of software development.

1. Clearly defined goals and timelines

As mentioned earlier, software development projects are very agile. Now agility is good but sometimes it can turn up into chaos if the boundaries are not set.

It is very important to have mapped out goals before writing a single line of code. This will make sure that everyone is on the same page with a clear vision in mind of what to achieve.

2. Simplicity & readability of the code

It doesn’t matter if you are working on a small or a large-scale software development project you have to keep the code structure simple and readable. This is because no program runs perfectly in the first trial. There are going to be bugs and errors.

When you look back to solve those bugs and errors, the simplicity and readability of the code matter a lot in saving your time. Furthermore, if you are working on a large-scale project where there’s a team involved, you have to make sure that everyone can easily understand and navigate through the code you have written.

Thus keeping the code simple and readable saves a lot of time while revisiting it and makes it easy for everyone to iterate on it if needed.

3. Project documentation & code coherence

Documenting project details is a great practice to keep a track of the complete project from client needs, problems and goals to all the progress up to date. Proper documentation helps make team collaborate better internally and with the client. It also helps to give handoffs to other team members when needed.

A well-established code coherence is much needed when you are working with a team of developers. It makes it easier for everyone to stay in sync with the structure of the code.

Documentation and code coherences might not sound so critical for smaller projects but when it comes to large-scale projects where the team is involved it becomes mandatory and hence it is best to practice them from the start regardless of project size.

4. End-to-end testing & regular reviews

Do you want to be in a scenario where you have to build an aircraft with so much effort and in the end you find out that the engine you have built is not capable of pulling the load? Obviously no!

That’s why regular reviews within the software development lifecycle are important. Regular reviews guarantee the success in small progressions of the project which in turn guarantees the final successful completion of the project.

Now doing regular reviews doesn’t mean that you should not do a complete end-to-end test at the final stage of the software. Towards the end, make sure to execute an end-to-end test in a closed environment as well as in an open environment with alpha and beta testing.

There are a lot of healthy practices that you can incorporate while developing any software. The above-mentioned are some of the most important best practices which every software development team should incorporate into their processes.

When you are implementing a new software system, it's important to make sure you have the right tools in place to avoid common pitfalls and errors.

These best practices help teams create and produce high-quality software systems by delivering features quickly and in a cost-effective manner.

It might sound time-consuming to you at first but if you take a higher perspective it is going to save a lot of time.

If you are somebody who is looking to work with an excellent team of software engineers where you can learn a lot of new things in the world of software development and give your career a new shape, visit our careers page. We are actively hiring for multiple positions.