System Fix

What does the coding jargon "symptom fix" mean?
Refers to the practice of addressing only the symptoms of a bug (i.e., the immediate problem) rather than the root cause. This can result in an overly complex or makeshift solution that not only fails to fully resolve the underlying issue but also introduces new bugs or makes future problems more likely.

Here’s what I’ve discovered about avoiding Symptom Fix:

Understand the Root Cause
Taking time to deeply understand the problem prevents recurring issues. Approach vs Methodology. The guy who sharpens the axe is more productive then the guy who relies on strength with a dull axe. It may take more time to start, but gets higher and more quality results faster in the end.

Avoid Band-Aid Solutions
Problem is, we don't often know it's a band-aid solution till later. This can be avoided through teamwork and clear documentation.

Prioritize Clear Code
Symptom fixes often lead to convoluted code. Focusing on clarity and maintainability helps avoid additional technical debt. Creating a "overly sick patient code " can screw with the whole team.

Thorough Testing is Key
Extensive testing of fixes ensures they don’t introduce new bugs or impact other parts of the system, making for more stable code. I honestly thought a perfectionistic habit was bad habit till I became a developer.

Document the Process
Documenting the issue and solution helps prevent falling into the same traps and fosters a deeper understanding of the problem. I usually create a folder in my root project that documents into 3 sections when building applications: Last Commit, Lessons, & Plans.