If It Works, Don't Touch It!
Peter Oyelegbin
- You have probably heard this saying before but it is one of the unwritten rules and best practices in the IT industry.
What Does It Mean?
At the heart of the saying "If it works, don't touch it" is the idea that when a system, process, or piece of code is working properly and fulfilling its intended function, it's best to refrain from making any changes. Avoid attempting to enhance it, refrain from adjusting it, and certainly do not try to repair it if it is not malfunctioning!
Why Is It Important?
This rule recognizes that tampering with a working system can often introduce new problems, create unintended consequences, and even lead to catastrophic failures. By leaving working systems alone, IT professionals can:
- Avoid introducing new bugs or errors
- Prevent downtime and service disruptions
- Reduce the risk of security breaches
- Save time and resources
- Minimize the risk of unintended consequences
😊 It's quite amusing that this principle has been repeatedly demonstrated in real-life situations.
I can recall a few years back when I created a simplified version of a web app and verified that it was functioning properly but the code was bulky. I then decided to refactor the code to make it more readable and optimized. Suddenly, it began to produce an error that I spent days debugging without success. Eventually, I became so frustrated that I decided to delete the entire project. Fortunately, my brother stepped in and reviewed my optimized code, discovering that the bug was caused by case sensitivity in the code.
Oh, what a relief! A project that took months to build could have been deleted with just one click because I wanted to improve it.
"If it works, don't touch it" – is a simple yet powerful principle that can save IT professionals from a world of trouble. By respecting working systems and avoiding unnecessary changes, we can ensure the stability, security, and reliability of our digital infrastructure. So, the next time you're tempted to tinker with a working system, remember: if it works, don't touch it!