Checklist for Self-Assessment to Manage Technical Debt in Software Development

We at JetSoftPro, a one-stop-shop for software development, have crafted 20 questions for you to ask your team, helping you monitor the progress of your technical debt and ensure all processes run smoothly.

1. Are we regularly updating our software and hardware for the latest security patches?

Tip: To keep your computer systems safe, make it a habit to update both software and hardware regularly. Think of it like giving your devices a cool makeover every month! If there’s a super important security fix, don’t wait — apply it ASAP. And hey, run some checks regularly to stay on top of any potential weak spots.

2. How often do we review code to ensure it follows best practices and meets quality standards?

Tip: When doing a code review, it’s suggested that a software engineer focuses on the job they were given and doesn’t make unnecessary changes while writing the code. This way, they stay on track and don’t mess with parts of the code that weren’t supposed to be changed. Focus on no more than 500 lines during each review to make the process more careful and effective.

3. Have we recently tested our disaster recovery plan to ensure it works in emergencies?

Tip: There’s no specific perfect number of how much you should test your disaster plan per year, but the more you practice, the better prepared you’ll be in the end. It’s essential to recognize that you likely need to test your disaster recovery more frequently than you currently do.

4. Is our development environment separate from production to prevent issues?

Tip: Ensure a clear separation between development and production environments. Use separate servers or containers for testing and development to minimize the risk of unintended consequences in the live system. Consequently, this separation provides a controlled environment for testing and debugging without affecting the production environment.

5. What’s our average time to resolve critical technical problems, and how can we improve it?

Tip: Consider implementing a systematic approach to address critical technical problems promptly. Devote specific time blocks for issue resolution, prioritize high-impact problems, and explore automation tools to streamline the resolution process. By optimizing workflows, you can make better use of the 13.5 hours developers spend on technical debt each week.

6. Do we regularly update and maintain documentation for our systems and processes?

Tip: Establish a routine for regular documentation updates. Assign responsibility for documentation maintenance, schedule periodic reviews, and encourage collaboration among team members to keep information accurate and up-to-date. Utilize documentation tools and version control to track changes effectively.

7. How often do we back up our data, and have we tested the restoration process?

Tip: Implement a robust backup strategy by scheduling regular automated backups. Additionally, regularly test the restoration process to ensure data recoverability in case of emergencies. Document and update the backup procedures, involving relevant team members to guarantee a smooth recovery in critical situations.

8. Are there any outdated systems needing upgrading or replacing?

Tip: Conduct a comprehensive audit of existing systems to identify outdated technologies or software. Prioritize upgrading or replacing systems that pose security risks or hinder efficiency. Develop a roadmap for upgrades, and allocate resources and time for a phased transition to modern, sustainable solutions.

9. What steps do we take to monitor and enhance system performance?

Tip: Implement a robust system monitoring strategy using performance monitoring tools. Regularly analyze performance metrics, identify potential bottlenecks, and proactively address issues. Establish a continuous improvement process to enhance system performance based on monitoring insights, ensuring optimal functionality.

10. Do we handle technical debt during development, and how do we prioritize it?

Tip: Integrate technical debt management into the development process. Establish clear guidelines for identifying and addressing technical debt during sprints. Prioritize tasks based on impact and urgency, considering the long-term consequences. Regularly revisit and reassess priorities to maintain a balance between new feature development and technical debt management.

Next 10 questions you can learn on the JetSoftPro blog. We as a software development service with 20 years of experience share only proven tips that really work.