Best Practices Debate

Comments debate the value and misuse of 'best practices' in software development, criticizing blind adherence, context-dependency, contradictions, and appeals to authority while suggesting alternatives like 'good practices'.

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20
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#3841
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Keywords

SE CamelCase IMHO HN practices best practices best practice best practice pros cons cons pros software authority

Sample Comments

commandlinefan Jun 5, 2020 View on HN

Yes. There's a reason why best practices are called "best".

miguelbemartin Nov 18, 2024 View on HN

"Because it's best practices" can not be used as an argument.

dpe82 Mar 4, 2019 View on HN

Not everyone follows best practices.

winrid Oct 12, 2019 View on HN

Yeah, some of them are just common "best practices".

mbrodersen Oct 13, 2021 View on HN

Agree. “Best Practices” often disagree with each other. So you need to understand the context and pros/cons to pick the right one or decide not to.

jjtheblunt Jul 24, 2018 View on HN

also agree that best practices are presumptious nonsense.

_bbih Dec 22, 2023 View on HN

Wait, you're telling me this isn't a Best Practice™?

jjtheblunt Sep 27, 2023 View on HN

"best practices" however seems a context dependent term.

DifE-Q Aug 10, 2010 View on HN

Best practices are a template, they are general rules, meant to be coupled with a human brain so they can be applied appropriately...or not applied depending on the use case. The problem is not in the best practices; the problem is their literal interpretation. Just because people do not really understand what they are for does not mean that they are an non-valuable tool that should be dispensed.

itjitj Mar 17, 2011 View on HN

So what you're saying is "Best Practices Considered Harmful"?