Hey everyone! I'm looking for some insights on how to manage your JavaScript organization as your apps become more complex. I'm currently working on a Retool app that started off straightforward but has grown to include over 20 components, complete with custom onClick handlers, input validation, conditional rendering, and API transformations. My JavaScript code is all over the place, scattered between individual component event handlers, query transformers, global functions (when I remember to use them), and all these inline {{ }} expressions. It's turning into a maintenance nightmare, especially when I need to update validation logic and have to search through multiple components to find similar code I've written in the past. Is anyone else experiencing this, or is this just the downside of low-code platforms once you move beyond simple CRUD applications?
4 Answers
Have you considered leveraging an AI or an LLM for help? It could be a game-changer in how you approach JavaScript learning and organization. I studied JS with the help of AI tools and resources like Codecademy, and it completely reshaped my coding experience! Just make sure you're approaching it actively and not falling into the trap of low-code reliance.
I totally get where you're coming from! I use Angular for projects like this because it structures your code, making it easier to manage JS as your app scales. It really helps keep things organized and reduces confusion when components grow more complex.
It sounds like what you're experiencing is pretty common with low-code platforms. As apps grow, managing complexity can become challenging, especially when the logic gets scattered. Low-code tools often abstract away standard UI technologies like HTML, JS, and CSS, so finding that balance can be tough. It's like if you want the same control as traditional coding, you might as well be coding traditionally. You’re definitely not alone in this—many developers face similar issues!
Here are a few tips I think could help:
1) First, get familiar with Retool if you're not already; it's basically a UI builder.
2) Creating logic-less components first and then adding custom functions for things like onClick can help keep your code cleaner.
3) Try to separate your validation logic from components and pass it as arguments instead.
4) Generally, global functions and variables aren't great unless absolutely necessary, like for global state.
5) Inline code can be okay too, depending on how you use it.
6) Consider low-code solutions more like prototypes—they're great for initial ideas, but you might need to build a traditional codebase as your app evolves.
I hear you on global variables; they can make life easier in some controlled environments. It really comes down to the context of your project. Just be mindful of collision risks in larger applications where multiple scripts are involved.