Developers should be using all the tools at their disposal to improve code and coding quality. This can be the only way to confidently release codes that can execute expectedly. The steps below ensure that the developers are releasing the highest quality codes possible and thereby improving the quality of the JavaScript project itself.

Note: The steps outlined below is a workflow in actuality that website and mobile app developers can follow. It is the aim of this workflow to reduce or eliminate errors that frustrate users.

Code

Invoke a strict mode in your functions by using the ‘use strict’ statement. Use module design patterns. Minimize the usage of global variables. You can simply sandbox separate code modules. Pass in external dependencies, keeping the modules clear and concise.

When using third party frameworks and libraries, make sure they are established and well-tested. Keep the functions small. Separate business data from the DOM manipulation.

For bigger projects involving multiple developers, follow the coding guidelines such as the JavaScript Style Guide. Since they need stronger rules for code management, they may include stricter dependency management like Asynchronous Module Definition (AMD). Also, use code storage repository systems, keeping the codes backed up in the cloud.

For much bigger projects, create code branches to implement different features before merging.

Document

Experiment with formats. Once you found the right format like the structured block comment format for the project, use it. With this, the developer may understand the purpose of the functions minus the need to study the codes thereby reducing misunderstanding.

Analyze

Run a tool such as a static-code analysis against the code on a regular basis. The practice checks any coding pitfalls and errors, the most common of which are forgetting ‘strict mode’ use, referencing undeclared variables and spotting missing semicolons or braces, etc.

Correct the issues that the tool you use flags up. Set up default options to enforce coding standards among the developers involved.

Test

Conduct unit tests for small standalone functions for the execution of one of the functions from the main codebase. The functions include specific inputs to confirm that they output the expected value. Use both expected and unexpected parameters for input.

Run the tests on multiple browsers across different operating systems. You can also use testing tools especially those that provide APIs that allow unit tests to be run automatically across the browsers simultaneously. The tools also feedback the results of the tests upon completion.

Measure

Code-coverage tools can be also used in measuring which lines of the codes are executed during the unit tests against the functions. Function complexity should be also measured. In simpler terms, the reduction in complexity scores means easier and much better understanding of the functions.

Further, there are tools online that not only measure complexity, but also generate JavaScript code complexity visualization. This helps in identifying which functions can be improved.

Automate

Use task runners in automating the processes from documenting down to measuring. The process increases the opportunity to address code quality issues as they arise.

At some points, the code will throw errors. Handle these runtime errors gracefully so their impact to the website’s behavior and usability will be limited. Use web services in logging runtime errors thrown by the codes. The log information can be used in adding new unit tests and thus improving the code and eradicating the errors.

These seven steps help our developers in producing the codes that we are really proud of. These steps lay great foundation for future use as well. Our developers are committed to using these steps in our projects in producing high quality JavaScript codes. Let’s work together in building and improving the web – one step at a time.

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1) CSS3 Click Chart

CSS3 Click Chart is more of a reference tool used specifically for CSS3 attributes. The best time to use the tool is when you forget the required order of CSS box-shadow values. The tool shows you the proper way to use specific attributes through a demonstration for each attribute.

2) Spritebox

Spritebox is a system used in generating CSS sprite classes using the WYSIWYG interface. You simply have to upload the sprite image. With the use of the WYSIWYG tool, define and preview each element within the sprite. Lining up the graphics will be easier with the use of this system.

3) CodeKit

CodeKit is a Mac app, making the lives of SASS developers easier. CodeKit compiles the SASS files automatically. It also optimizes the file sizes of the images and reloads the page live while on the browser window.

4) Cloud9 IDE

Cloud9 IDE is an open-source editor mainly used as an online development environment. Cloud9 IDE is used for JavaScript, CSS, HTML, PHP, Java, Ruby and Node.js applications. You are free to write your own extensions for connecting any web-based platforms.

5) Patternizer

Patternizer is a tool that can be used in generating CSS3 stripes or checks through the use of online interfaces. The tool has its own library of available patterns. You can also customize the stripes and checks in terms of the width of gaps, angles and color.

6) XRAY

XRAY is a bookmarklet allowing the interrogation of a page through viewing the box model information regarding the page elements. XRAY must be dragged onto the bar. The next time you view a page, click the icon and then click the page element that requires interrogation. A popup will display the data about that element including its position, basic style and classes and IDs.

7) PrimerCSS

Primer is a web tool that allows pasting HTML into the window directly. Then, it come up with blank CSS on the basis of the classes and IDs used in the pasted HTML. PrimerCSS is for those developers who create their markup first prior to applying styling. What the tool does is to parse the HTML, grab classes and generate empty CSS nodes sets required for developing CSS.

8) CodeAnywhere

CodeAnywhere is an app wherein the users can simply login to access the files. The files you kept open when you logged out will still be open when you login again on the app. CodeAnywhere supports CSS, JavaScript, PHP, HTML and XML.

9) CodePen

CodePen refers to a social code sharing app. This means that frontend codes are created through sharing. Entering CSS, JavaScript and HTML is required before it can display the combined results at the pane beneath. You can save your own Pen and share it. You can also explore other Pens. CodePen is thus a great tool to show off your work, troubleshoot and demonstrate bugs.

10) Opera Mobile Emulator

Opera Mobile Emulator is a program where users can test how the app looks on Opera browsers. The program is available for Max, Linux and Windows users.

11) Adobe Brackets

Adobe Brackets is an editor built on various technologies like CSS, JavaScript and HTML. Brackets provides you with Quick Edit views that, in return, provide context-sensitive access to the contents.

12) HTML5 Boilerplate

HTML5 Boilerplate is a boilerplate template for HTML5 developers. Downloading the latest version is required though.

The list is not exhaustive. Nonetheless, the apps and tools featured above are very helpful for any developer. Meanwhile, if you think an app deserves the spot in this list, let me know.

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