Hey everyone!
I’ve been wanting to start this blog for months, but kept pushing it off. Today, I decided to finally share my thoughts and experiences. Let me tell you a story about when the idea for this post came to me.
One day at work (from home 😊), I was in the middle of a typical backend story, tackling a part that required some refactoring. As I discussed the importance of clean code and thorough documentation with a colleague, we both agreed that we needed to apply the Boy Scout Rule very strictly to achieve a clear codebase.
I went to make myself a coffee. On my way back to my desk, I suddenly realized I hadn’t cleaned the coffee maker, emptied the ashes, or washed the porta filter. That’s when it hit me: the Boy Scout Rule shouldn’t just apply to our code; it should apply everywhere in our lives.
If you prepare breakfast, you should clean the kitchen better than you found it. If you leave things for later, you’ll end up needing a whole day to clean up. This principle isn’t just for tidying physical spaces; it extends to maintaining a clear mind, nurturing relationships, and positively impacting the environment.
The Coding Connection
Back to coding, this principle translates perfectly:
Refactor When Possible: If you see a piece of code that can be improved, take the time to refactor it. Even small changes can make a big difference over time.
Improve Documentation: Clear and concise documentation helps everyone. If you notice outdated or missing documentation, update it.
Clean Up After Yourself: When you fix a bug or add a feature, ensure the surrounding code is as clean as possible. Remove any unnecessary comments or dead code.
The Takeaway
The Boy Scout Rule is a simple yet profound principle. Whether we’re cleaning up code or making small improvements in our daily lives, this rule encourages us to leave things better than we found them. By applying this mindset, we can create a more positive, efficient, and harmonious world.
Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts on applying the Boy Scout Rule in different areas of life. Leave a comment below and let’s chat!
4 responses to “The Boy Scout Rule: A Principle for Life!”
You made me thinking! Thanks Rustin.
Thank you for leaving the very first comment on my blog! I’m glad to hear that my post made you think. Your feedback means a lot to me!
Thanks for sharing this, Rustin — I was just thinking about applying the Boy Scout Rule to things outside of coding, and happened to find your blog post. I’m looking to do the same thing…like when I search for something and find it in a cluttered drawer, I should take one thing out of that drawer and tidy it away.
I’m a big fan of “little and often”, but don’t apply it to things like tidying up…so the Boy Scout Rule seems like a great way to go.
By the way, I’d love to read more of what you write. Keep up your blog!
Wow, thanks so much for your comment! Sorry for the late reply, but I couldn’t be more excited to see your message. I love the idea of applying the Boy Scout Rule to everyday stuff like tidying up cluttered drawers—such a smart approach!
“Little and often” definitely sounds like the way to go. It’s amazing how small actions can make a big difference over time.
I’m really glad you enjoyed my post, and I can’t wait to share more. Thanks again for the encouragement—it means a lot!