Developers must use all the tools and techniques at their disposal to improve the quality of their code and be confident that every execution is predictable. This is a topic close to my heart and I’ve been working for years to find a set of steps to follow during the development process to ensure that only the highest quality code can be released.
You can dramatically improve the quality of your JavaScript projects by simply following these seven steps. Using this workflow, errors will be reduced and a lot of processing will be optimized for a pleasant web browsing experience for users.
Code 01.
First in your function call ECMAScript5 strict mode and a statement of “strict mode”, and use the module design patterns, in the executive function closures, and through the sandbox independent code module to reduce the use of global variables inside as far as possible, by any external dependencies to maintain the global variable module is clear, concise. Only use established, proven third-party libraries and frameworks that have been tested with good results, and keep your functions at a low value, to separate any business logic or data from your module operations and other view-level code.
Larger projects with multiple developers should follow an established set of coding principles, such as Google’s JavaScript style guide, and require stronger code management rules, including strict dependency management through a library such as RequireJS, using package management and asynchronous Module Definition (AMD), Use Bower or Jam(client library management tool) wrapper management to reference specific versions of your dependency files, and adopt structural design patterns, such as observer pattern, to facilitate loosely-coupled communication between your different code modules. It’s also a smart idea: Use a code repository system, such as GitSubversion, to back up your code in the cloud through services such as source code or magic beans, provide the ability to revert to previous versions, and create a code branch for more advanced projects to perform different functions, merging them together before completion.
02. File
The ability to use structured annotation block formats such as YUIDoc or JsDoc to files so that any developer can understand its purpose without having to study its code can reduce misunderstandings. Markdown syntax allows for richer, longer comments and explanations. Use associated command line tools to automatically generate a document site: based on these structural comments, it is consistent with the latest status of any modifications made in your code.
03. Performance analysis
Periodically run a static code analysis tool on your code, such as JSHint or JSLint. These checks are for known coding flaws and potential errors, such as forgetting to use strict schemas or referencing undeclared variables, and missing parentheses or semicolons. Correct any problems with the tool controls to improve the quality of your code. Try setting default options for your project team to enforce coding standards, such as indenting each line by space, where to place curly braces, and using the number of single or double quotes throughout the code file.
4. Test
A unit test is one of a small set of independent functions performed: execute one of the functions from the main code base of your particular input to verify that it outputs an expected value. To boost your confidence, the code will be written as expected using a framework such as Jasmine or QUnit for each functional unit test, using expected and unexpected input parameters. But don’t forget those edges!
Running these tests on multiple browsers across multiple operating systems allows you to speed up the need for virtual machine testing in the cloud by using a service like BrowserStack or SauceLabs. These two services provide an API that allows your unit tests to automatically run in multiple browsers at the same time and report back to you once they’re done. As a bonus, if your code is stored on GitHub, you can take BrowserSwarm, a tool that automatically runs your unit tests when you submit your code.
05. Measurement
Code coverage tools such as Istanbul measure which lines of code were executed while your unit test was running against your function and report it as a percentage of the total number of lines of code. Running a code coverage tool on your unit tests and adding additional tests can increase your coverage score to 100%, giving you greater confidence in your code.
The complexity of function can use halsted to measure: measurement of complex computer scientists Maurice halsted equation is established in the 1970 s, the complexity of a function is based on circulation, branch and it contains a function call to quantify: the complexity of function can be used to measure Halstead complexity measures. As this complex fraction decreases, it becomes easier to understand and maintain the function, reducing the possibility of error. Command-line tools Plato measures and JavaScript code complexity generate data visualization that helps identify features that can be improved, while storing previous results and allowing quality improvements to be tracked over time.
Automation of 06.
Using Taskrunner such as Grunt to automate the process of documentation, analysis, testing, coverage, and complexity report generation saves you time and effort and increases your chances of resolving any quality issues that arise. Most of the tools and testing frameworks highlighted in this article are associated with Grunt, which can help you improve the quality of your workflow and code without lifting a finger.
07. Handle exceptions
As it happens, at some point your code will have an error when it runs. Use the “try… The Catch “statement appropriately handles runtime errors and limits the impact of behavior on your site. Log run-time errors using network services. And use this information to add new unit tests to improve your code and eliminate these bugs one by one. These seven steps have helped me create some of the code I’m most proud of in my career so far. They are also a good foundation for the future. Commit to using these steps to produce high-quality JavaScript code in your own projects, and let’s work together to improve the web and succeed step by step.