Devit!

Some important and yet simple tips that can get lost over time: (In no particular order)

1. Ensure every code path closes your database connection
2. Log all errors and review your error logs on a periodic basis
3. Comment all code – It’s easier to remove excessive comments than to try and understand someone else’s code
4. Write out the process in SUDO code before you start to ensure you’ve covered off all the necessary functionality
5. Have another developer review your code – in 5 minutes another developer can sanity check your code
6. Document complicated code in a WIKI or some other type of developer resource
7. Break down complex problems into smaller issues that are easier to digest – if necessary repeat
8. Always assume the user will do unexpected things
9. For larger development ensure database design and specifications are tackled first
10. Never be embarrassed to ask other developers for help, all to often developers try to solve a problem that one of their colleagues have already successfully resolved
11. Google is your friend, use it
12. And most important, get up and go for a walk, stretch your legs and get the blood flowing when you’re trying to solve a difficult problem or when you’ve just been working for hours on end

If you have some great tips feel free to post a comment below.

Adobe Air 1.0 was recently released and developers should put their lunch break or some downtime to reviewing this latest software release from Adobe. While Adobe Air requires a download so users can utilize the software – it provides an added bonus of Flash that could have some developers quite excited. With Adobe Air you can develop rich desktop applications that utilize web based data systems. This type of technology is perfect for people like real estate agents, sales representatives or anyone else who might find it useful to work in an offline/online mode. Some downsides to this software package are the current lack of support for Linux, but good news for Linux users and enthusiasts alike as Adobe has committed to releasing the software on the Linux platform by the end of 2008. I highly recommend any developer takes five minutes out of their day to review this technology and keep it in mind with future projects.

If you have any good Adobe Air development sites, articles or tips feel free to post them below in the comments.