This is the Tenth Step towards gaining the Programming Enlightenment series. If you didn’t learn the Ninth Step, read it.
“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four hour sharpening the axe” ~ Lincoln.
As a software developer we continuously use tools on a daily basis. Be it a simple Text Editor to complicated tools like the modern IDE. All of these tools helps us complete mundane or sophisticated task. There are tons of software to help us build software. We must choose these tools with care.
How to choose the TOOLS?
There are few things to keep in mind.
- Based upon assumptions and context : a tool we rely on cannot outperform the tool for which it was built. It may be a performance mismatch.
- Some tools have quite a bit of configuration, which will outgrow the complexity of using it.
- Lifecycles of tools may degrade over time. New upgrades may be available, we must continuously see if our current tool isn’t justifying the development time.
- Choosing between Open-Source tool versus Licensed product. It depends on the budget the team has and working with open-source tools give us the opportunity to actually see what the tool does.
- List of tools used must always be kept to bare minimum. As software grows and the team grows it will be difficult to maintain a clean set of tools to be used for a better productivity.
- Remember Don’t Reinvent the Wheel. There might be libraries that suits better for you needs, while you work on your feature.
Different Tools for Android Development.
TL;DR Always look for tools that might ease your software development. Try to get the best out of your current tool, there might be some hidden features that you are unaware of.
Go to Ninth Step.
Go to the Eleventh Step.
References:
- 97 things Every Programmer Should Know ~ Git Book
- 97 Things Every Programmer Should Know ~ Paperback
- Android Tools ~Blog
- 30 Awesome tools for Android Development ~ Blog
- Features of Android Studio ~ Website
