Here are the things that I value the most in my work. I always advocate for them, and try to implement whenever I can.
Automation
For repetitive tasks, simplicity is crucial. Ideally, everything should be achievable with just one command.
Automation is worth the time, as it makes work faster and more consistent.
Standards
Each important task should be described. Don’t rely on memory, and don’t assume others will do things the way you do.
Standards build consistency, and consistency builds quality.
Requirements
Before doing anything, you need to know what the desired outcome should be. There must be some kind of agreement between engineers and stakeholders. Without it, we work in an atmosphere of assumptions and personal beliefs, which usually doesn’t work well.
Security
Security isn’t optional. It’s not a “nice to have.” It’s not a premium feature.
It’s a requirement.
Technology Stacks
Progress in technology is made by building on top of what is already working.
Not every problem needs new code. Sometimes, the best solution is already out there.
Continuous Integration
Just the CI/CD pipeline doesn’t guarantee quality. While automatic checking of technical aspects is important, the overall environment of the product also plays a crucial role.
Ensuring flawless performance is not enough. Today, scalability, resilience, and security are equally important challenges that require collaboration from the entire product team.
Documentation
Good documentation is the foundation of a good project.
It’s not only about technical details. I can see how the code works by looking at it. The documentation should bridge the gap between code and its use case.
Maciej Galeja 