Monday Quick Read: Feeling Like Your Code Isn’t ‘Modern’ Enough?
How to stay updated even if you feel your code is outdated
Happy Monday!
Monday Quick Read is a series of short articles where I share my personal experiences and thoughts on software development, particularly iOS.
In previous article, I talked about managing the interoperability challenges when working with Objective-C and Swift code in the same project.
We’d all love to work on fresh projects that use the latest Swift and SwiftUI APIs, with the minimum deployment target set to the latest iOS version. But in reality, most of us deal with existing codebases—sometimes even outdated legacy code.
Here are a few strategies that help me stay up to date:
Continuous learning
It may sound obvious, but software developers should always be learning—even if it’s not always the priority. I set aside dedicated time to regularly explore new frameworks and APIs through Apple’s tutorials and articles.
Follow well-known developers
I actively follow well-known iOS experts on LinkedIn and subscribe to their newsletters. Their insights and shared experiences keep me informed about current trends and best practices.
Participate in code reviews
Code reviews are a great way to get feedback on my own work while also learning from how others code. It’s an opportunity to pick up new techniques and improve my coding practices.
Refactor old code
I take a step-by-step approach when refactoring old code, updating it in small sections. This is especially important when some APIs are deprecated, as it helps keep the codebase modern without overwhelming myself or the team.
Build personal projects
Working on personal projects gives me the freedom to experiment with the latest frameworks and APIs.
The goal isn’t to adopt everything new all at once, but to gradually enhance your work. By doing this, you’ll be able to contribute to your team’s goals more effectively and keep your skills up to date.
If you’ve enjoyed this article - hit the Like button and subscribe, if you haven’t already!
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Stay tuned for more in the upcoming issues. Until next time!
Artjoms