Web Applications: Quality of Code
I have recently witnessed in some discussions amongst fellow web developers regarding the quality of code of the application; in other words, how well all the behind the scenes stuff is put together.
The knee-jerk reaction for the “smart” developer is to say “we build web software that meets the clients requirements - if it works it works”. While the clients wishes should always be number one priority when developing a web project for them, it is also true that the web developer has the responsibility as a professional to ensure that all security, scalability and adaptability factors have been implemented into the code architecture.
This means that the client should trust the developers judgment - that is what they are paying them to do. A developer who agrees to everything under the sun without a hint of disagreement or at the least “re-working an idea” is not acting in a professional manner. It is the developers job to know what will work and what will not work. This is one aspect of a professional web developer I feel should always be paramount.
The second aspect is quality of code. If you prefer to visualise things (as I do), consider the “quality of code” as the quality of the foundations. For example, consider your website as a house. What if I was to tell you that because of the way your house was built, its going to take 50 hours of man hours to add those renovations instead of 15, because the original architect didn’t make the effort to observe some common practice values of house design, that simplify expansion. If you could go back to square one and start your house from scratch, would you rather the potential of it becoming a mansion by literally slotting in new rooms and floors, or would you rather be limited to the original tin shed with no potential of growth?
The sad reality is that so many individuals and businesses around the world claim to be web developers and yet they are no more professional than your average home handyman. That is, the type of home handyman who thinks watching home renovation style television accredits him with the same skillset as the local professional builders, when we all know that sadly sooner or later something will be done incorrectly, and the project cost will blow out hiring a pro to fix it.
Because the internet and websites are such a relatively new innovation, there is no strictly outlined entry requirement, such as a certificate, apprenticeship or degree that are commonplace in most occupations. That is why alot of people think that their 16 year old next door neighbour can build websites.
But hiring the wrong web developer is equivalent to letting the primary school art class give your shopfront a makeover with their crayon collection - I cannot stress enough how valuable a website can be, whether by providing that extra bit of information to prospective customers, engaging in e-commerce, or making the electronic side of your business cutting edge and giving you a massive boost over the competition.
As with any industry, the web developer community is full of wannabes… it is a case of buyer beware. If you would like any further info on this topic or have any questions or comments, please enter them below.
Regards
Steve Thomas
Thomas Multimedia
This article was published on August 15, 2007 and filed under Web Development
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