Prefactoring

3.12. Tools Are Tools—Use Them Wisely

Many software development tools are available. They range from requirements documentation to modeling tools to IDEs (Integrated Development Environment). Tools are wonderful. They can automate many processes and ensure consistency and integrity.

3.12.1. Work with or Against the IDE

Particular features of IDEs or frameworks can influence how you develop your system. An IDE such as Microsoft Visual Studio makes it easy to develop handlers for graphical user interface (GUI) events. With a couple of mouse clicks, you can set up a function that is called when a button is clicked or when text is entered into an edit box. The IDE strongly suggests a stylistic pattern for handling and naming the functions. You are welcome to override that pattern if you have strong feelings concerning your own style. However, it is often easier to accept rather than to fight. It will add consistency to your programs. Other developers working on your system might not be as adamant about the style and might be much more willing to accept the default. So the default becomes the easiest form of consistent code. ^[*]

^[*] If you prefer your own style, select tools that do not impose their own style or allow you to customize their style. Eric M. Burke, a reviewer, gave the example of the Java Spring framework. Its persistence mechanism does not require you to code classes to be persisted in any particular style.

3.12.2. Multiple Tools

An old adage says, "Use the right tool ...