Technical debt
Technical debt
(also tech debt)
Technical debt definition
Technical debt, often dubbed code liability, represents shortcuts taken during software development. These trade-offs, while offering immediate gains, can accrue long-term costs. As the code’s obligations grow, rectifying these issues turns formidable.
Design deficiencies obstruct scalability and robustness. To ensure the software’s longevity, developers must allocate time to settle this outstanding balance. Unaddressed, it becomes a growing liability hindering innovation.
Technical debt examples
- Legacy systems. Companies cling to outdated systems. They miss out on modern features and face compatibility challenges. This habit introduces compatibility challenges and missing out on modern features.
- Quick fixes. Developers apply hasty patches to bugs without addressing root causes. Such carelessness leads to fragile solutions and future code liabilities.
- Skipped documentation. Neglecting proper documentation means newcomers face a steep learning curve, adding to the design burden.
- Avoiding updates. By postponing software updates, teams expose systems to vulnerabilities and miss optimization opportunities, accruing tech obligations.
- Inconsistent coding standards. Diverse coding practices across a team lead to disjointed software structures. This results in increased maintenance overhead.