Harun T. - Full-Stack Developer in Nicosia, Cyprus

Writing Clean Code With React: Best Practices for Efficient Development

In the fast-paced world of software development, countless tips and tricks promise to improve your coding experience. Some might sound bizarre at first, but when you dig deeper, they often contain real wisdom. Here are 13 pieces of advice that may seem unconventional initially but can be true game-changers for any developer.

Delete Your Code (Often)
"Don’t hesitate to remove code that isn’t adding value — your future self will thank you."
Surprised? Sometimes the best way to improve your program is by trimming the excess. If a function, method, or even a whole class serves no clear purpose, remove it. Fewer lines of code generally mean fewer bugs and easier maintenance.
Embrace Boredom in Your Workflow
"Creativity often arises from stillness. Give your mind space to wander."
Believe it or not, boredom can spark creativity. When your mind has time to wander, innovative solutions to complex problems often emerge. Allow yourself to step back and let your mind relax—it might return with fresh ideas.
Write Code Like You’re Explaining to a Child
"If your code isn’t simple enough for a new team member to understand, it’s too complicated."
Aim for simplicity in your code. It should be clear enough that even a child could grasp it. Complex code is a sign that you may not fully understand the problem you’re solving. Simplicity makes it easier for others to maintain and build upon.
Stop Reading Documentation (All the Time)
"Don’t let perfection hold you back — dive into the code, and learn by doing."
While documentation is useful, relying on it too much can slow you down. Experiment with the codebase, explore how things work, and learn through hands-on experience before you dive into the documentation.
Spend More Time Debugging Than Coding
"Debugging is a test of your understanding. If you can debug well, you understand the code well."
Although often disliked, debugging is an excellent opportunity to understand your code. By spending time fixing bugs, you’ll deepen your understanding of the logic and structure of your program.
Use a Text Editor from the ’90s for a Week
"Stripping away conveniences forces you to test your knowledge."
Take a break from fancy IDEs and try using a basic text editor for a week. Without auto-complete, linting, or other modern conveniences, you’ll be forced to focus on writing better, more organized code.
Learn a Language You’ll Never Use
"Expanding your toolbox allows you to find new, creative solutions."
It may seem pointless, but learning a language that doesn’t directly benefit your daily work can broaden your thinking. Each language brings a unique perspective and set of best practices that can improve your approach to the languages you use regularly.
Go on a Framework Detox
"Mastering the basics helps you use frameworks more effectively."
Sometimes it’s worth building something from scratch without relying on frameworks. It may take more time and effort, but it gives you a deeper understanding of how frameworks work, which will improve your ability to use them more efficiently later on.
Don’t Comment Your Code (Too Much)
"Good code should explain itself — comments should clarify intent, not actions."
If you find yourself adding comments to explain what your code does, consider rewriting it to be clearer. Comments should be used to explain why something is done, not what. Over-commenting can clutter your code and make it harder to maintain.
Talk to Non-Developers About Your Code
"If you can explain it simply to someone outside your field, you truly understand it."
Explaining your code to someone with no programming background can be surprisingly enlightening. If you can break down a complex problem in simple terms, it shows you truly understand it—and they might ask the question that sparks your next breakthrough.
Build Something Completely Useless
"Not every project needs a purpose — sometimes fun is purpose enough."
Not every project needs to solve a real-world problem. Building something purely for fun, like a random fact generator or a silly game, can boost creativity and help you learn new skills without the pressure of a “real” project.
Master the Art of Saying ‘No’
"Saying ‘no’ helps you focus on what truly matters."
As a developer, you’ll often be asked to add one more feature or make a quick change. Learn to say ‘no’ when these requests threaten to derail your project or add unnecessary complexity. Staying focused is key.
Code as if the Person Who Maintains Your Code Is a Psychopath Who Knows Where You Live
"Treat every line of code as if someone else will maintain it tomorrow."
It sounds extreme, but it highlights an important point: write clean, understandable, and maintainable code. Imagine the person maintaining your code is someone who knows you personally—this mindset ensures you write high-quality code.

At first glance, some of these tips may seem counterintuitive, but they can lead to breakthrough moments in your development journey. Coding isn’t just about following rules—it’s about challenging the norm and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. So, take a chance and try something unconventional today; you never know where it might take you!