Is Spaghetti Code Wrecking Your Progress?

“There’s nothing new under the sun” applies to software issues too. Some problems stem from how the code was written, and others from how the project is managed. But here’s the key takeaway: a handful of issues are responsible for most of the challenges teams face.

This week, we’ll cover some of the most common issues, so you can spot them early and, more importantly, avoid them.

Spaghetti Code

Our first culprit is something most of us have encountered: Spaghetti Code. It’s the kind of code that’s so tangled it’s nearly impossible to read, understand, or improve.

Technically speaking, spaghetti code is a specific type of code quality issue where different parts of the codebase are overly dependent on each other. If you mapped out the connections between sections, it would look like a messy plate of spaghetti.

The best way I’ve found to deal with spaghetti code is through Test-Driven Development (TDD) and listening to the feedback your code provides. If TDD feels difficult or painful, that’s often a sign you’re dealing with spaghetti code.

For example, when writing test code, if you find yourself bogged down with a lot of setup, it’s a signal that sections of your code are too tightly coupled. That’s your cue to break things down into smaller, more manageable components that are easier to test and grow over time.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s topic, where we’ll talk about Scope Creep—another common issue that can sneak up on projects if you’re not careful!