October 25, 2024 in Website

Website Management

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The web evolves rapidly, and the tools and practices we rely on today will soon become outdated. This constant cycle often leads to technical debt, such as outdated WordPress themes incompatible with newer PHP versions or rigid layouts that don’t adapt to future needs. In the worst cases, we end up with unsupported software.

Eventually, every website will face these challenges. However, there are ways to manage or even prevent technical debt. Here are some tips for minimizing its impact.

Build for Long-Term Sustainability

The first step is to reduce the likelihood of technical debt by building with a focus on sustainability. Choose tools and technologies that are popular and actively maintained. This doesn’t guarantee a smooth experience, but it does increase the chances of future compatibility.

Take WordPress as an example. The content management system (CMS) has been around for over 20 years and receives regular updates. Its ecosystem of themes and plugins is well-supported.

On the other hand, using a newly released CMS with a smaller user base poses a risk. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the new option, its long-term viability is uncertain. It may not be the best choice for a stable future.

Following best practices can also help avoid technical debt. Write code using the latest standards, avoid CSS hacks, and document your code thoroughly. Consider both current and future requirements to minimize potential headaches later on.

Conduct Regular Website Audits

Your website’s status can change quickly, making regular audits essential.

An audit should include both hardware and software. Start by assessing your web hosting, checking performance metrics, and monitoring resource usage to determine if an upgrade is necessary.

Next, review the software stack. This includes the server’s operating system, PHP, MySQL, or any other components. These foundational elements are crucial to your website’s stability.

Then, examine your CMS, themes, plugins, and any dependencies like JavaScript libraries. Identify outdated components, check for available updates, and confirm whether they’re still being maintained.

Regular audits help you spot potential issues early so you can address them promptly. Smaller websites can conduct annual reviews, while larger or mission-critical sites may need biannual or quarterly inspections.

Embrace Change as an Opportunity

Discovering outdated components or compatibility issues is normal, but it can also be a chance to improve. Change allows you to reassess your website’s functionality and strengthen its foundation.

For instance, if a WordPress plugin has been abandoned, look for a replacement that offers better long-term support. Alternatively, consider if you even need the plugin’s functionality, which could reduce future maintenance needs.

Updating code to improve compatibility with the latest version of PHP can also present an opportunity to enhance functionality and security. Revisiting code from years ago can reveal areas for improvement, helping you build a more robust website. Updating your website is not just about catching up; it’s also a chance to make forward-thinking changes that minimize future technical debt.

Take Charge of Your Technical Debt

Every website will accumulate some level of technical debt throughout its lifecycle. The key is to manage it effectively by making thoughtful choices early on. Seek the most stable and functional solutions to keep your debt manageable. When change inevitably occurs, treat it as a time to recalibrate your approach. Assess what works and what doesn’t, and apply those lessons as your site continues to evolve.

The goal is to think critically about each decision, considering its impact not only today but also in the future. While you can’t eliminate the need for updates entirely, you can learn to manage change more effectively.




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