Red Sky Digital

Languages & Coding Styles

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Programming Standards | Our Methods & Techniques

One of the most popular methods of software development here in Australia is Test Driven Design (or TTD. Test Driven Design, at its core simply means that software developers must conceptualize and understand the holistic requirements of a target program before diving in and developing snippets of the code. The app development process often begins with the creation of a series of baseline tests to be conducted on individual functions as the new application takes shape. For example, in the development of a new banking app designed to update an individual clients account, a test could be developed for adding a deposit amount to the balance. Later tests would confirm whether this given function conformed to the definitions within the defined test case.

These individual tests are designed first which means that as the code is enhanced it will remain aligned with the functionality defined within the testing framework, which is continuously updated. Test driven design generally relies upon parallel software development and QA teams, often supported by business analysts who typically assist with the development of relevant test case. It is very powerful, collaborative working model and app developers at Red Sky Australia leverage this approach to maximum effect daily.

It is important that tests are never made with real data and that test servers and infrastructure are not granted access to elements of production code or components. However, experienced web developers should create mock elements that can replicate a real world scenario on a local app development machines, and pre-production servers. Proper isolation of testing ensures that tests are free from interference by external programs or other unforeseen variables.

Within Red Sky Digital Australia, test driven design is often paired with other software development methods such as “pair Programming” where two experienced software developers will work alongside each other. These app developers will typically take it in turns to modify a particular piece of code, ensuring that both are familiar with the code and happy with the structure. The software developers in question are able gain valuable experience and knowledge from each other via constructive criticism via their peer. All of this leads to a better architecture, greater levels of support and a shared pool of knowledge.

Code Libraries, Frameworks and Patterns

Another important thing to keep in mind is that to simplify the app development process, many pre-built frameworks, code libraries and patterns are incorporated into the program. Nobody likes performing exactly the same task over and over again, especially software developers. Good engineers would much rather use their time efficiently, working on things like core aspects of a target software program. Or other functions of the software that will improve upon its desired function. The best way to minimize app or web development time is to recycle parts of the code that perform specific functions, and reference these same components throughout. This is by far the most time and resource efficient way to work and it is standard practice among our app developers here at Red Sky Digital Australia

The form that a “re-useable” component may take is extremely varied, and most experienced software development teams will develop a library of these components for handling common functions. These will typically manage repetitive tasks like handling of exceptions, caching of data, logging database access within the app itself. From time to time experienced app development teams will opt to purchase or obtain libraries from third parties as they are confident that these components will perform the task, and cut developer hours.

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One of the ways that professional app developers tend to showcase their skills is by evaluating when and how to use these code libraries effectively, ensuring that development time is dramatically shortened at crucial stages. However, there will be instances where you cannot implement pre-built code, and that is where developers must create the entire code structure themselves. Their task will be to meld the hand written code, together with the other elements such as the framework and libraries. Code editors are typically used to shortcut the development process, but a good app or web developer can typically generate code in a shell or text editor.

Another way to incorporate the work of others into a local software development project is by using ”software patterns”.The basic idea of software patterns is to leverage upon the experience and knowledge that has been progressively built up in the field. Most software development challenges have been encountered before by one or more group of software developers. If a number of professionals and experts have come forward and agreed upon a best solution to a set of challenges in the past, then it is very likely that this solution can be reused. Example instances are logged and recorded for use by others in the industry to the benefit of everybody, thereby becoming a recognised software pattern. These patterns are not necessarily specific to a single piece of code, they are often more generic in the way they can be applied.