Think in Small, Testable Units
Don’t write 300line functions. Break your logic into short, singleresponsibility functions. Then test them hard. A testable unit is easier to debug, easier to understand, and way easier to refactor. Remember: if you can’t describe a function’s purpose in one sentence, it’s probably doing too much.
Quick Win: Use tools like Jest or Mocha for JavaScript, or Pytest for Python. Automate your tests. Whatever language you’re in, testing shouldn’t feel optional—it’s part of clean coding.
Use Meaningful, Predictable Naming
Names aren’t decoration; they’re the entry point to your logic. Stop naming variables x, data, or temp. A variable that holds a timestamp? Call it createdAt. Loop index that refers to user items? Try userIndex. The more precise your names, the less time others (and future you) waste trying to reverseengineer what they mean.
Quick Rule: Avoid abbreviations unless they’re culturally locked (like id, url, db). When in doubt, name things with enough context to make logic readable at a glance.
Automate Setup and Cleanup
Don’t let “works on my machine” be a team motto. Scripts that spin up environments, run tests, or deploy should be part of your repo. Start with package.json scripts or Makefiles. Let bash or PowerShell do the heavy lifting.
Pro Move: Chain scripts. For example, run npm run build && npm run test && npm run deploy in sequence to keep builds clean and reliable.
Write Logs Like a Human, Not a Machine
Logs help you debug and audit. But if they’re filled with "Object object" or untagged lines, they’re just noise. Structure logs with levels (info, warn, error) and make them readable.
Example Tip: Use template strings to give context:
Readable, testable, and fewer side effects. Think in transformations.
Use Feature Flags Instead of Feature Branches
Shipping often helps more than waiting. Feature flags let you merge unfinished work while keeping it inactive. Tools like LaunchDarkly, Split, or simple custom toggles make quick iteration safe and sane.
Remember: Flags aren’t permanent. Expire them when you ship.
Code Reviews: Short, Fast, Often
Don’t hoard changes and submit a 1,200line PR. Ask for feedback early. Review others’ work with care—no one likes pedantic comments with no explanation.
Checklist Before You Review:
Does it break existing functionality? Is it testcovered? Can you understand it in one pass?
If it fails those, send it back with guidance.
Get Serious About Keyboard Shortcuts
You code like you type. If you’ve never customized your IDE shortcuts or set up multicursor editing, fix that. Saving seconds per action adds up fast.
Try This: Learn one new shortcut each week in your editor. After a month, you’ll save hours every sprint.
Keep a Personal Snippet Library
Why rewrite a regex for email validation every time? Or reGoogle “how to debounce a function in JavaScript”? Keep your own snippet repo organized by task or language. It’s faster than Stack Overflow… and it’s yours.
Simple Storage: Use tools like GitHub Gists, Notion, Obsidian, or just a collection of .txt files.
Code Tips and Tricks Buzzardcoding
This isn’t just about writing better code—it’s about working smarter. Code tips and tricks buzzardcoding exist to make your dev life smoother, your team faster, and your codebase cleaner. It’s about rethinking habits and processes one move at a time.
If you’re communicating clearly, automating where it counts, testing responsibly, and streamlining your tools, you’re building real momentum. You’re also staying sane.
Now, pick one of these tips. Apply it to your project today. Don’t wait. Better code isn’t a goal—it’s a routine.