eXtreme .NET: Introducing eXtreme Programming Techniques to .NET Developers [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Is It Possible to Write Bug-Free Code?

This is another Chapter 1, one of the XP practices is playing to win. Playing to win is a mindset. If you play to win, you will believe that it is possible to write bug-free code and will aim for zero-defect solutions. This attitude gives you the edge, but attitude alone will not create bug-free code.

An interesting fact about bug-free code is that as the code is further developed, the bug count in it is less likely to increase than in code that is known to have bugs. Developers are more careful to ensure they do not introduce any errors to a solution that is bug free than they are when the solution is riddled with issues. It is what is known as "broken window syndrome."^[1]If a building is in pristine condition, it tends to remain that way; people take better care of it. When one window is broken or a bit of graffiti goes up, however, the building falls into disrepair very rapidly. The same phenomenon exists with code. When code starts to fall into disrepair (has bugs), a typical belief follows that a few more bugs will not make any difference because the code is already broken. Therefore, it is important to keep the quality of the code high all the way through the process.