Rant

Version control

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Ah, the joys of backend development. Where testing is just a pipe dream and version control is like a unicorn, always just out of reach.

Let me set the scene for you. You’ve spent hours, nay, days, working on a new feature. You’ve sweat, you’ve cried, you’ve lost sleep, but finally, it compiles! And what do you do next? That’s right, you git push it, because who needs testing when you can just let your end users be your testers? It’s like playing a game of Russian Roulette with your code, hoping that the bug won’t fire.

But, let’s not forget the real tragedy here. The comments. It’s like trying to solve a crossword puzzle without any of the clues. You push your code, and it’s like leaving a note that says “I did something here, I think.” It’s like trying to navigate a city with only a compass that always points north. How are you supposed to know where you’re going?

But, the real problem with all this is that it leads to a mess. A beautiful, tangled mess of code. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but instead of a needle, it’s a bug, and instead of a haystack, it’s a million lines of code. And, let me tell you, finding that bug is like trying to find a needle in a haystack full of needles. Good luck.

So, why do we do it? Why do we push our code without proper version control and testing? Well, because we’re always in a rush to get new features out the door. It’s like a race, and we want to be the first to cross the finish line. But, let’s be real, it’s not a race if you’re the only one running. It’s more like a slow jog in the park.

So, what’s the solution? Well, it’s simple. We need to take the time to implement proper version control and testing. It’s like putting on a seatbelt before driving. It may slow you down, but it’s worth it in the end. And, as for the comments, let’s make an effort to be more descriptive. It’s like leaving a map for someone else to follow. It may take a little extra time, but it saves everyone time in the long run.

But, you know what’s even better than proper version control and testing? Automated testing. It’s like having a personal assistant to test your code for you. And, as for comments, well, let’s use descriptive commit messages. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for someone else to follow.

And, while we’re at it, let’s also make an effort to clean up our code. It’s like tidying up your room before you go to bed. It may not be the most exciting thing to do, but it makes life easier for everyone. And, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a clean, organized codebase?

Version control, proper testing, and clean code may not be the most exciting things, but they’re the things that keep us sane. And, in the end, isn’t that what matters most?

Tests? What?

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Welcome to the exciting world of backend development, where writing tests is a luxury we can’t afford! I mean, who needs tests when you have end users who are more than happy to be your guinea pigs?

Let’s be real, tests are important. They ensure that your code is working as expected and they catch any potential bugs before they become big problems. But, as a backend developer, I’ve found that tests are often the first thing to go when we’re in a crunch to get new features out the door. I mean, who has time to write tests when you’re busy working on the next big thing?

And don’t even get me started on the lack of people. It’s like trying to herd cats – finding enough people to write tests is next to impossible. It’s not like we can just snap our fingers and poof, a team of testers appear.

So, what’s the result of all this? Well, let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. We push our code to production, hold our breath and hope for the best. And, if we’re lucky, everything works as expected. But, if we’re not so lucky, the end users will find any and all bugs for us. And, let me tell you, it’s a humbling experience to have your users find bugs that you missed. It’s like being a detective and missing the big clue right in front of you.

But, that’s not the worst part. Oh no, the worst part is the last minute fixes. It’s like playing whack-a-mole. You fix one bug, and three more appear. It’s like trying to plug a dam with your fingers – it’s a never-ending cycle. And, as a backend developer, I can tell you, it’s not fun.

So, why do we do it? Why do we put ourselves through this torture? Because, as much as we love writing tests, we love implementing new features even more. It’s the thrill of creating something new and exciting. It’s the rush of pushing new code to production and seeing it in action.

But, in the end, it all comes down to this. Tests are important. We know it. We just need to find the time and resources to make it happen. And, until then, we’ll just keep crossing our fingers and hoping for the best.

So, to all my fellow backend developers out there, let this be a lesson. Writing tests may be a pain, but it’s a necessary pain. And, to all my end users, thank you for being the brave souls that test our code. We couldn’t do it without you.

Specifications

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As a backend developer, I have come to accept that my job is not only to code and debug, but also to be a master of flexibility. Because let’s face it, when it comes to specifications, they’re always changing. It’s like trying to hit a moving target, but instead of a bullseye, it’s a constantly shifting goalpost.

I’m not sure if it’s the project managers or the clients who are to blame, but it seems like every time I turn around, the requirements for a project have changed. One minute, I’m working on an API to connect to a specific database, and the next, I’m being told to switch to a completely different one. Or, I’ll spend hours optimizing a feature, only to have it scrapped and replaced with something else entirely. And don’t even get me started on the dreaded “scope creep.” It’s like a monster that just keeps growing and growing, devouring all my hard work and precious hours.

It’s like playing a game of whack-a-mole, but instead of cute, furry rodents, it’s my sanity that’s being whacked. And it’s not just the constant changes that drive me crazy, it’s the fact that they often come with no warning. I’ll be plowing away at my keyboard, thinking everything is going smoothly, and then BAM, out of nowhere, a change request hits my inbox like a wrecking ball.

But the real kicker is when the changes come in the final stages of a project. Suddenly, I’m expected to drop everything and rush to implement new features or change the entire architecture of the application, with no extra time or budget. It’s like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle, but every time you think you’ve got it, someone comes along and adds more pieces. It’s like running a marathon, but just when you think you’re about to cross the finish line, the racecourse changes and you have to keep going.

I can’t help but feel like the backend development process is like a never-ending game of Tetris. Just when you think you’ve cleared a line, another one falls down. And let’s not even talk about the pressure of deadlines and the constant need to deliver high-quality work. It’s like trying to play a game of chess while someone is constantly moving the pieces behind your back.

But you know what they say, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” So I’ve decided to embrace the chaos and just roll with the punches. After all, if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a backend developer, it’s that there’s always going to be another change coming down the pipeline. And as a backend developer, I’ve also learned to be resourceful and to think on my feet. It’s a challenging but also rewarding experience to see how a project evolves and improves.

So to all the project managers and clients out there, I say this: “Keep the changes coming. I’ll be here waiting, ready to adapt, and to make the backend development process a game.” And to all my fellow backend developers, don’t give up. We’ve got this.

Hello World

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As a backend programmer, I used to live a peaceful life. My days were spent in the cozy comfort of my terminal, writing elegant code and solving complex problems. But alas, those days are long gone.

Now, as a full stack developer, I find myself constantly torn between the serene world of the backend and the chaotic frontend. It’s like being stuck in a never-ending game of tug-of-war, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty.

On one hand, there’s the backend, where everything makes sense and follows a logical structure. The code is beautiful, the errors are predictable, and the performance is top-notch. On the other hand, there’s the frontend, where everything is a mess and nothing works as expected. The code is a mess, the errors are cryptic, and the performance is abysmal.

But, as they say, “With great power comes great responsibility,” and as a full stack developer, I have the power to make or break the user’s experience. So, I put on my big boy pants and tackle the frontend head-on.

I’ve learned to navigate the wild world of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and have even grown to appreciate the beauty of responsive design. I’ve discovered the joy of debugging with browser developer tools and have become quite the expert at solving cross-browser compatibility issues.

But let’s be real, my heart will always belong to the backend. The frontend is like a vacation from my true love, a brief respite from the monotony of the backend. But, as all good vacations must come to an end, I eventually have to return to the backend, where I truly belong.

So, to all my fellow backend programmers out there who have been thrust into the world of full stack development, take heart. It may be a tough road, but we can do it. And who knows, you may even learn to love the frontend (but let’s be real, probably not).