Principle 8 Use Sensible Defaults
Do common tasks in a consistent way, following guidance. If we use the same tools and approaches across the department, it makes collaboration and quality assurance easier. This is almost always more important than using the absolute best method.
You Must - Be aware of the defaults, understand why we have them and follow them unless you can explain how the benefits of an alternative approach outweigh those of consistency.
You Should - Help define what the defaults should be, and actively participate in discussion and debate to keep them up to date and relevant.
You Could - Proactively review and compare the defaults used with the way you work.
| Related Areas: | Easy to Read |
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8.1 General Defaults
- Use 'Tidy' data. See the tidy data principle!
- Use git for version control of code (rather than SVN, Mercurial etc). See the version control principle
- Use preexisting packages and code before writing your own.
- Use popular, mature and well supported packages in preference to up & coming ones.
8.2 Language Specific Defaults:
In addition to the general principles, please see the language specifc pages: