Programming Principles
What does YAGNI mean?
You Aren’t Gonna Need It)
- Don’t add features or functionality until you actually need them.
-Meaning: Avoid “just in case” code that isn’t required right now — it adds complexity and maintenance cost.
-Don’t write extra methods or classes for future scenarios that might never come.
Push
Purpose: Send (upload) your local commits to a remote repository (like GitHub).
Meaning: Shares your saved changes with others.
Repository
A Git repository is a storage space that holds all your project’s files and the complete history of every change.
Think of it as: A folder that Git tracks.
Contains: Your source code, Commit history, Branches and tags
What is a database?
A structured collection of data that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated.
Acceptance Testing
What is testing software requirements next to business requirements to check if it meets expectations?
What does KISS mean?
KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
-Don’t overcomplicate code.
-Meaning: Choose the simplest possible solution that works — avoid unnecessary abstractions or clever tricks.
-Example: Prefer clear loops over complex one-liners.
What is git add?
This command adds your file changes to the staging area before you commit.
What is GitHub?
A platform that lets multiple developers work together by hosting Git repositories online and tracking changes from anywhere.
What is a DBMS?
(Database Management System)
This type of software manages how data is stored, organized, and retrieved in a database.
Unit Testing
What is testing fragmented parts of code to check for functionality.
What does CRUD mean?
CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete)
-Basic operations for persistent data management.
-Code dealing with data should clearly implement these four core operations and nothing more unless needed.
-Database APIs or REST endpoints often map directly to CRUD actions (POST, GET, PUT, DELETE).
Pull
Purpose: Fetch and merge changes from the remote repository into your local one.
Meaning: Updates your local files to match what’s on GitHub or the shared repo.
Remote repository
Definition: The copy of the repository that lives on a server, usually on platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
Purpose: To share code and collaborate with others.
What is MySQL?
An open-source relational DBMS that uses SQL to manage and query data.
Integration testing
What is ensuring that different modules and components work well together?
What is Separation of Concern (SoC)?
-Each part of your program should handle a specific concern.
-Meaning: Divide code into distinct sections/modules, each with a well-defined purpose.
-Keep business logic separate from user interface and database logic.
Commit
Purpose: Save your changes locally (in your own repository).
Meaning: A commit is like a checkpoint or “save point” of your work.
Staging area
Definition: A temporary holding area where you prepare changes before committing them.
Think of it as: A “to-be-committed” list.
What is SELECT?
A command used to get data from a table
What is DRY?
DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself)
-Eliminate duplicate code.
-Meaning: Common logic should live in one place reuse it instead of copying it.
-Example: Extract repeated calculations into a shared utility method.
Merge
Purpose: Combine changes from one branch into another.
Meaning: Merges the history of two branches together.
Local repository
Definition: The copy of the repository that lives on your computer.
Purpose: Where you make changes, commit them, and test before sharing.
What is JOIN?
A command that combines matching data from two tables.