1. Using x as variable name can sometimes increase readability. For generic functions that are close to mathematics it is not a sin to use such variable names. Though way to often I get pointed out to rename it to something more descriptive. Longer variable names can also leads to worse readability since a linter will now make 1-liner split into a 4-liner.
2. Tests: "With increasing complexity your codebase will become much harder to maintain and control — tests will do it for you." Good intentions here but be careful. Tests can cause people not wanting to refactor/fix because now they have to fix the structure of the tests. Refactor means more than changing the implementation of functions.
3. "Commit daily,... . Give meaningful commit messages." I am starting to see a trend where PRs get squashed into one commit. Thus making such advice not very useful.
Some things to consider imo:
1. Using x as variable name can sometimes increase readability. For generic functions that are close to mathematics it is not a sin to use such variable names. Though way to often I get pointed out to rename it to something more descriptive. Longer variable names can also leads to worse readability since a linter will now make 1-liner split into a 4-liner.
2. Tests: "With increasing complexity your codebase will become much harder to maintain and control — tests will do it for you." Good intentions here but be careful. Tests can cause people not wanting to refactor/fix because now they have to fix the structure of the tests. Refactor means more than changing the implementation of functions.
3. "Commit daily,... . Give meaningful commit messages." I am starting to see a trend where PRs get squashed into one commit. Thus making such advice not very useful.