Testing & Quality

Broken Windows Theory

Neglecting small issues leads to a culture of neglect and larger problems.

Adapted from criminology to software by Andy Hunt and Dave Thomas in The Pragmatic Programmer, this theory states that a codebase with one 'broken window' (bad code, poor design) invites more neglect.

In Software

The Fix

Fix 'broken windows' immediately. If you can't fix it now, at least mark it with a TODO and a ticket. Never leave rot unacknowledged.

Resources

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