JavaScript is one of the most flexible programming languages if not the most flexible one. Web designers and developers can utilize them, and so can the mobile app developer Philippines. Browser performance is continuously improving leading growth of volumes of JavaScript websites, pages and apps. Just a line of poorly constructed code can ruin a great website, frustrate the users and drive away the prospects.

Developers should be using all the tools at their disposal to improve code and coding quality. This can be the only way to confidently release codes that can execute expectedly. The steps below ensure that the developers are releasing the highest quality codes possible and thereby improving the quality of the JavaScript project itself.

 

Note: The steps outlined below is a workflow in actuality that website and mobile app developers can follow. It is the aim of this workflow to reduce or eliminate errors that frustrate users.

 

Code

Invoke a strict mode in your functions by using the ‘use strict’ statement. Use module design patterns. Minimize the usage of global variables. You can simply sandbox separate code modules. Pass in external dependencies, keeping the modules clear and concise.

When using third party frameworks and libraries, make sure they are established and well-tested. Keep the functions small. Separate business data from the DOM manipulation.

For bigger projects involving multiple developers, follow the coding guidelines such as the JavaScript Style Guide. Since they need stronger rules for code management, they may include stricter dependency management like Asynchronous Module Definition (AMD). Also, use code storage repository systems, keeping the codes backed up in the cloud.

For much bigger projects, create code branches to implement different features before merging.

 

Document

Experiment with formats. Once you found the right format like the structured block comment format for the project, use it. With this, the developer may understand the purpose of the functions minus the need to study the codes thereby reducing misunderstanding.

 

Analyze

Run a tool such as a static-code analysis against the code on a regular basis. The practice checks any coding pitfalls and errors, the most common of which are forgetting ‘strict mode’ use, referencing undeclared variables and spotting missing semicolons or braces, etc.

Correct the issues that the tool you use flags up. Set up default options to enforce coding standards among the developers involved.

 

Test

Conduct unit tests for small standalone functions for the execution of one of the functions from the main codebase. The functions include specific inputs to confirm that they output the expected value. Use both expected and unexpected parameters for input.

Run the tests on multiple browsers across different operating systems. You can also use testing tools especially those that provide APIs that allow unit tests to be run automatically across the browsers simultaneously. The tools also feedback the results of the tests upon completion.

 

Measure

Code-coverage tools can be also used in measuring which lines of the codes are executed during the unit tests against the functions. Function complexity should be also measured. In simpler terms, the reduction in complexity scores means easier and much better understanding of the functions.

Further, there are tools online that not only measure complexity, but also generate JavaScript code complexity visualization. This helps in identifying which functions can be improved.

 

Automate

Use task runners in automating the processes from documenting down to measuring. The process increases the opportunity to address code quality issues as they arise.

 

At some points, the code will throw errors. Handle these runtime errors gracefully so their impact to the website’s behavior and usability will be limited. Use web services in logging runtime errors thrown by the codes. The log information can be used in adding new unit tests and thus improving the code and eradicating the errors.

 

These seven steps help our developers in producing the codes that we are really proud of. These steps lay great foundation for future use as well. Our developers are committed to using these steps in our projects in producing high quality JavaScript codes. Let’s work together in building and improving the web – one step at a time.