I’m still working on the same core task from previous weeks, but that hasn’t stopped me from learning something new each day. In fact, sticking with one task for longer than expected opened the door to deeper understanding particularly around testing, logic improvements, and React Admin internals. What started as a frontend logic challenge has now expanded into a valuable journey of learning how to make systems more robust and maintainable.
Smarter Upload Logic Through Feedback
One of the key lessons this week came from realizing that the design document upload was expected to happen automatically, but my original approach handled it manually without knowing there was a more efficient way. Based on feedback from the team, I re-evaluated the logic and updated the conditions so that the upload now happens automatically when needed, without requiring a manual database update. This change not only improved reliability and reduced friction but also helped me understand the importance of anticipating expected behavior in a system. It was a valuable reminder that even small automation gaps can impact how smoothly a system runs.
Starting the Journey into Unit Testing
Although I haven’t written test cases yet, this task introduced me to the world of testing. I started learning how to structure tests in a React Admin environment using Jest, TypeScript, and React Testing Library. I spent time understanding how testable components are built and how to begin validating user interfaces. I’m currently brainstorming which areas to test first, and it’s exciting to see how testing can bring reliability and structure to development. It also gave me more clarity on how good tests can highlight weak spots before they become real issues.
Mocking the Database for Testing
Another important concept I encountered was mocking the database for tests. By following guidance from the React Admin documentation and looking at examples using Jest and React DOM, I learned how to simulate data responses and mock different backend behaviors. This allows developers to test components in isolation without depending on live databases. Even though I haven’t fully implemented these mocks yet, I’ve gained a solid understanding of the role they play in creating flexible, fast, and stable tests.
The Feedback That Changed My View on Data Order
One specific piece of feedback I received this week was about how data was ordered on the interface. I initially overlooked it, thinking the values being present was enough. But once it was pointed out, I understood how much order matters. I updated the logic to present the data in a clearer, more intentional order, and it made the interface easier to understand. This was a great reminder that data should always be presented in a clear, intentional order especially when it’s central to the interface.
Testing is About Trying to Break Things
This week also changed how I view testing as a concept. I used to think it was about checking if things work, but now I realize it’s really about trying to break them. A well-tested system is one that doesn’t break no matter what the user does. If something can be broken easily, it’s a sign that it needs more attention. This mindset shift helped me appreciate why testing is such a vital part of software development.
Key Learnings This Week
- Small feedback, like reordering data, can improve usability more than expected.
- Even a single task can lead to multiple areas of learning when explored in depth.
- Testing is not just a technical activity it’s a mindset that pushes us to build stronger systems.
Even though I’m still on the same task, this week has been a huge leap forward in my understanding. From learning how to write better logic to exploring testing fundamentals, every step has helped me think more like a professional developer. I’m excited to take this new knowledge forward and continue building not just working features but smart, reliable, and well-tested ones.
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