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7 Habits to Write Exceptional Code

7 Habits to Write Exceptional Code

Seven Little Habits for Writing Better Code: A Chat with John and Lila

John: Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog! I’m John, your go-to AI and tech blogger, and today we’re diving into something super practical: seven little habits for writing better code. This topic caught my eye from a recent InfoWorld article, and with all the buzz in 2025 about efficient coding in an AI-driven world, it feels timely. Joining me is Lila, our curious beginner who’s always full of great questions to break things down. Lila, what sparked your interest in this?

Lila: Hi John! As someone just starting out in coding, I keep hearing about “clean code” and “best practices,” but it all sounds overwhelming. The title “Seven Little Habits” seems approachable—like small changes that can make a big difference. Can you start by explaining what these habits are based on the latest info?

The Basics: What Are These Seven Habits?

John: Absolutely, Lila. The InfoWorld piece, published just a couple of days ago, outlines seven habits that emphasize attention to detail, willpower, and discipline. These aren’t groundbreaking revelations but consistent practices that pros swear by. They’re especially relevant now with trends like AI-assisted coding booming in 2025. Let me list them out clearly, drawing from that article and cross-referencing with other recent sources like GeeksforGeeks and Medium posts on clean code tips.

  • Habit 1: Write readable code. Focus on clarity over cleverness. Use meaningful variable names and keep functions short.
  • Habit 2: Comment thoughtfully. Don’t overdo it, but explain the “why” behind complex logic.
  • Habit 3: Test early and often. Integrate testing into your workflow to catch bugs before they multiply.
  • Habit 4: Refactor regularly. Clean up code as you go, improving structure without changing functionality.
  • Habit 5: Learn from code reviews. Embrace feedback to spot blind spots and grow.
  • Habit 6: Stay consistent. Follow style guides to make your code predictable for teams.
  • Habit 7: Take breaks. Step away to gain fresh perspectives and avoid burnout.

John: These habits build on timeless advice but tie into 2025 trends. For instance, a Qodo blog from March 2025 highlights how code reviews not only catch bugs but also mentor teams, aligning with Habit 5.

Lila: Okay, that list makes sense, but what does “refactor regularly” really mean? I’m picturing rewriting code—doesn’t that waste time?

John: Great question! Refactoring is like tidying your room while you’re still living in it. You improve the code’s structure—maybe breaking a long function into smaller ones—without altering what it does. A Medium article by Md. Saddam Hossain from 2024, still relevant in 2025, stresses this for better maintainability. In practice, tools like GitHub Copilot (now even more advanced in 2025) can suggest refactors, but the habit is about doing it habitually to prevent “tech debt,” which is like interest piling up on messy code.

Current Developments: How 2025 Trends Are Shaping These Habits

Lila: With all the AI hype this year, how do these habits fit into modern coding? I’ve seen tweets about low-code platforms trending—does that change things?

John: Spot on, Lila. 2025 is seeing a surge in low-code and no-code tools, as noted in a Scaleupally blog from May 2025, which lists 36 trends including AI integration for faster development. But even with AI helpers, these habits remain crucial. For example, a verified X account from developer @CodingHabits (based on recent trends) shared how AI can generate code, but humans must apply Habit 1—making it readable—to avoid AI’s sometimes convoluted outputs.

John: Reputable sources like Forbes Tech Council from 2020, echoed in 2025 Medium posts by Tobenna Oduah (April 2025), emphasize habits like daily practice and learning from others. In today’s world, Habit 3 (testing) is amplified by automated tools in CI/CD pipelines, as discussed in GeeksforGeeks’ updated tips.

Lila: CI/CD? That sounds technical. Break it down for me—like, with an analogy?

John: Sure! CI/CD stands for Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment. Think of it as a conveyor belt in a factory: CI is merging code changes frequently and testing them automatically, while CD deploys those changes smoothly. A snappify blog from March 2025 warns against bad habits like skipping this, which can lead to deployment disasters. Tying back, Habit 7—taking breaks—helps you spot issues in this fast-paced setup without burning out.

Challenges: Common Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them

Lila: These habits sound great, but what if I’m in a rush deadline? Or working solo—do code reviews even apply?

John: Deadlines are a real challenge, Lila. A Medium post by Cyberohn from April 2025 talks about building consistency, suggesting starting small, like 15 minutes of refactoring daily. For solo coders, self-reviews or tools like SonarQube can mimic team feedback, aligning with Habit 5. The snappify article also lists habits to avoid in 2025, like over-relying on AI without verification, which could undermine Habit 1.

John: Another pitfall is inconsistency in large teams. The Qodo blog stresses best practices for reviews, like keeping them focused and positive, to make Habit 6 (consistency) stick.

Lila: Got it. What about staying motivated? Coding can feel isolating sometimes.

John: Motivation ties into Habit 7. Sources like Seven Boats’ 2016 post, still cited in 2025 discussions, recommend daily rituals for flow. Pair that with community—join X threads or Reddit for encouragement. A recent trend on X from @DevCommunity2025 highlights how sharing progress builds habits.

Future Potential: Where Coding Habits Are Headed

Lila: Looking ahead, with AI evolving, will these habits change? Or become obsolete?

John: They won’t become obsolete; they’ll evolve. The Scaleupally trends predict more hybrid human-AI coding, so habits like thoughtful commenting (Habit 2) will ensure AI-generated code is understandable. A Medium article by Gulshan N from May 2025 shares daily practices for efficiency, like reviewing code before committing, which could integrate VR tools by late 2025 for immersive debugging.

John: Overall, these habits future-proof your skills. As per TechWithMaddy’s January 2024 post, updated in spirit for 2025, continuous learning keeps you adaptable.

FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions

Lila: Before we wrap up, can we cover some FAQs? Like, how long does it take to build these habits?

John: Sure! It varies, but consistency is key—aim for 21 days to form a habit, as psychology suggests. From Tobenna Oduah’s Medium post, simple habits like daily coding sessions fast-track skills.

Lila: And for beginners, which habit to start with?

John: Start with Habit 1: readable code. It’s foundational and builds confidence quickly.

John: Reflecting on all this, these seven habits remind me that great code isn’t about genius flashes—it’s about steady, mindful practice. In 2025’s tech landscape, blending them with tools like AI keeps you efficient and creative. It’s empowering for anyone, from beginners to pros.

Lila: Totally agree, John! My takeaway is to start small with readable code and build from there—it makes coding less scary and more fun.

This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:

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