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Best Practices

Best practices for developing reliable, maintainable, and efficient AppBlocks applications.

Application Design​

Start Simple​

  • Begin with minimal viable application
  • Add features incrementally
  • Test each addition thoroughly
  • Avoid over-engineering

Modular Design​

  • Break complex logic into smaller blocks
  • Create reusable components
  • Use clear naming conventions
  • Document block purposes

Error Handling​

  • Plan for failure scenarios
  • Implement proper error handling
  • Log errors with context
  • Provide user feedback

Testing Strategy​

  • Test in simulator first
  • Test on actual hardware before deployment
  • Test all edge cases
  • Create test scenarios

Variable Management​

Naming Conventions​

Good:

temperature_setpoint
pump_1_status
alarm_active
mqtt_connection_state

Avoid:

temp (too short)
t1 (unclear)
variable123 (meaningless)

Variable Scope​

  • Use appropriate variable types
  • Initialize variables at startup
  • Clear temporary variables
  • Document variable purposes

Variable Updates​

  • Update only when value changes
  • Avoid unnecessary writes
  • Use appropriate data types
  • Validate values before setting

Settings Configuration​

Settings Organization​

Group related settings:

  • Network: WiFi, Cellular, IP configuration
  • Communication: MQTT, Modbus, HTTP
  • Application: Thresholds, modes, timers
  • Hardware: Calibration, GPIO mapping

Default Values​

  • Provide sensible defaults
  • Document default choices
  • Allow easy restore to defaults
  • Test with default configuration

Settings Validation​

  • Validate all user input
  • Enforce min/max ranges
  • Check format and type
  • Provide clear error messages

Linking Settings​

  • Link feature properties to settings
  • Enable runtime configuration
  • Avoid hardcoded values
  • Document which settings affect which features

Network Communication​

Connection Management​

  • Implement automatic reconnection
  • Use exponential backoff
  • Handle connection state changes
  • Monitor connection health

Data Transmission​

  • Batch data when possible
  • Use appropriate QoS levels
  • Implement data queuing
  • Handle offline scenarios

Error Recovery​

  • Retry failed transmissions
  • Log communication errors
  • Alert on persistent failures
  • Implement fallback strategies

Security​

  • Use encrypted connections (TLS/SSL)
  • Implement authentication
  • Protect credentials
  • Validate all received data

Performance Optimization​

Efficient Execution​

  • Avoid busy loops
  • Use timers and scheduled events
  • Minimize polling frequency
  • Batch operations

Resource Management​

  • Monitor memory usage
  • Clean up resources
  • Avoid memory leaks
  • Limit queue sizes

Network Optimization​

  • Reduce message frequency
  • Compress data when beneficial
  • Use efficient protocols
  • Monitor bandwidth usage

Power Efficiency​

  • Reduce polling rates
  • Use sleep modes
  • Disable unused features
  • Optimize network usage

Logging and Monitoring​

Log Events​

Log:

  • Application start/stop
  • Connection state changes
  • Errors and exceptions
  • Critical actions
  • Configuration changes

Don't Log:

  • Excessive detail in production
  • Sensitive information
  • High-frequency events
  • Normal operations (unless debugging)

Log Levels​

ERROR: Critical failures
WARN: Potential issues
INFO: Important events
DEBUG: Detailed information (development only)

Monitoring​

  • Track key metrics
  • Set up alerts
  • Monitor resource usage
  • Review logs regularly

Security Best Practices​

Credentials​

  • Never hardcode passwords
  • Use settings for credentials
  • Store securely
  • Rotate regularly

Authentication​

  • Implement authentication where required
  • Use strong credentials
  • Enable two-factor when available
  • Timeout idle sessions

Data Protection​

  • Encrypt sensitive data
  • Use TLS/SSL for transmission
  • Validate all inputs
  • Sanitize user data

Device Security​

  • Change default passwords
  • Disable unused services
  • Keep firmware updated
  • Monitor for unauthorized access

Hardware Integration​

GPIO Configuration​

  • Document pin assignments
  • Use descriptive names
  • Implement safety interlocks
  • Test all hardware interfaces

Sensor Reading​

  • Implement debouncing
  • Validate sensor values
  • Handle sensor failures
  • Calibrate appropriately

Actuator Control​

  • Implement safety checks
  • Use appropriate drivers
  • Handle failure modes
  • Test emergency stops

Hardware Abstraction​

  • Use variables for hardware values
  • Avoid hardcoded hardware details
  • Support configuration changes
  • Enable hardware substitution

Firmware Management​

Version Control​

  • Use semantic versioning (1.2.3)
  • Document changes
  • Tag releases
  • Maintain changelog

Testing Before Deployment​

  • Test in simulator
  • Test on development hardware
  • Beta test with subset of devices
  • Have rollback plan

Deployment Strategy​

  • Staged rollout for large deployments
  • Deploy during off-hours
  • Monitor first deployments
  • Keep previous version available

Backup and Recovery​

  • Backup configurations
  • Export important data
  • Document recovery procedures
  • Test recovery process

Documentation​

Code Documentation​

  • Comment complex logic
  • Document block purposes
  • Explain non-obvious decisions
  • Keep comments current

User Documentation​

  • Create user guides
  • Document settings
  • Provide troubleshooting tips
  • Include examples

Deployment Documentation​

  • Document installation process
  • List requirements
  • Provide configuration guide
  • Include network diagrams

Maintenance Documentation​

  • Document common issues
  • Provide diagnostic procedures
  • List maintenance tasks
  • Include contact information

Deployment Checklist​

Pre-Deployment​

  • Test all functionality
  • Verify settings defaults
  • Test network connectivity
  • Validate hardware integration
  • Review logs
  • Test error handling
  • Perform security audit
  • Create documentation

Deployment​

  • Backup existing configuration
  • Upload firmware
  • Configure settings
  • Test basic operation
  • Verify network connectivity
  • Monitor initial operation
  • Document any issues

Post-Deployment​

  • Monitor device health
  • Review logs
  • Verify data flow
  • Check alerts
  • Gather user feedback
  • Address issues promptly

Common Mistakes to Avoid​

Don't:​

  • Hardcode values - Use settings instead
  • Ignore errors - Handle all error conditions
  • Skip testing - Test thoroughly before deploying
  • Over-complicate - Keep it simple
  • Forget documentation - Document as you go
  • Neglect security - Security is essential
  • Skip validation - Always validate inputs
  • Assume reliability - Plan for failures

Do:​

  • Use settings - Enable runtime configuration
  • Handle errors - Graceful error handling
  • Test thoroughly - Test all scenarios
  • Start simple - Build incrementally
  • Document well - Clear documentation
  • Implement security - Secure by design
  • Validate inputs - Check all data
  • Plan for failure - Resilient design

Development Workflow​

1. Design​

  • Define requirements
  • Create architecture
  • Plan data flow
  • Identify risks

2. Implement​

  • Start with core functionality
  • Add features incrementally
  • Test as you build
  • Refactor when needed

3. Test​

  • Unit test components
  • Integration test system
  • Test edge cases
  • User acceptance testing

4. Deploy​

  • Staged deployment
  • Monitor closely
  • Document issues
  • Gather feedback

5. Maintain​

  • Monitor performance
  • Address issues
  • Update documentation
  • Plan improvements

Code Reviews​

Review Checklist​

  • Code follows conventions
  • Error handling implemented
  • Resources cleaned up
  • Appropriate logging
  • Security considerations
  • Performance acceptable
  • Documentation complete
  • Tests included

Continuous Improvement​

Metrics to Track​

  • Device uptime
  • Error frequency
  • Network reliability
  • Response times
  • Resource usage
  • User feedback

Regular Reviews​

  • Review logs monthly
  • Analyze trends
  • Identify improvements
  • Update documentation
  • Apply lessons learned

Stay Updated​

  • Follow AppBlocks updates
  • Review new features
  • Update dependencies
  • Adopt best practices
  • Learn from community

Support and Resources​

When to Ask for Help​

  • Stuck on technical issue
  • Performance problems
  • Security concerns
  • Deployment planning
  • Architecture decisions

Where to Get Help​

  • Official documentation
  • Community forum
  • Support tickets
  • GitHub discussions
  • Professional services

Contribute Back​

  • Share solutions
  • Report bugs
  • Suggest improvements
  • Write tutorials
  • Help others

See Also​