10 Ways to Improve Your Skills as a Conscious, Relaxed Clean Coder in ABAP

Clean code is more than just tidy syntax. It’s about writing meaningful, readable, and testable code while staying grounded and relaxed. As ABAP developers, we often operate in high-pressure environments—tight deadlines, legacy systems, and constant changes. But good code doesn’t come from stress. It comes from presence, clarity, and care.

Here are ten ways to grow as a clean coder—without rushing, without hustle. Just steady, intentional improvement.

1. Understand the Business Logic Deeply

Clean code reflects clear thinking. And you can’t think clearly about a problem you don’t understand. Spend time understanding the business logic and use cases before you touch the keyboard. Ask questions. Sit with the business. This reduces rework, confusion, and unnecessary complexity.

Slow down to go faster.

2. Practice Daily Refactoring

Make a habit of improving small pieces of code each day. Refactor a method name. Extract a function. Break a large block into smaller, testable units. Don’t wait for a big rewrite. Small, daily cleanups keep the codebase healthy—and keep your mind sharp.

A little cleanup every day beats a weekend-long refactor.

3. Write Tests Like a Thoughtful Developer

Good tests are like calm conversations with your code. They check if what you expect is what you actually get. Don’t just test edge cases—test the intent. Use ABAP Unit or frameworks like ABAP Open Test Double. Focus on clarity and coverage, not just quantity.

Tests are not just for safety—they’re for peace of mind.

4. Breathe Before You Debug

When a bug hits, the instinct is to rush. Pause. Take a breath. Then start exploring with curiosity, not frustration. Conscious debugging is more effective than frantic clicking. Use breakpoints, watchpoints, and logs mindfully.

Stay calm. The bug can’t win if you’re grounded.

5. Name Things With Care

Naming variables, classes, and methods is an underrated skill. Choose names that speak clearly—like get_customer_address instead of get_caddr. The extra time you spend on naming will pay off for everyone who reads your code—including future you.

Good names reduce mental noise.

6. Stay Curious About the SAP Ecosystem

Being a clean coder also means staying current. Learn the RAP model. Explore CDS Views. Dive into ABAP RESTful programming. But do it on your terms. A calm, steady learning habit beats binge-learning or tech FOMO.

One small new thing per week is enough.

7. Use Eclipse and ADT Mindfully

Eclipse with ADT offers a clean, powerful environment for ABAP. Use it not just because it’s new—but because it supports better structure, navigation, and testing. Get comfortable with keyboard shortcuts and the outline view to stay in flow.

Let your tools support your calm, not clutter it.

8. Write Comments Only When Necessary

Clean code should speak for itself. Use comments to explain why, not what. Avoid cluttering your logic with obvious notes. Fewer, clearer comments make reading code a smoother experience for everyone.

Write code like a story, not like a puzzle.

9. Take Breaks. Really.

Mental clarity is key to clean coding. When you’re stuck, tired, or overwhelmed—step away. Take a walk. Breathe. Stretch. Clarity comes from space, not from staring at a screen for hours.

Your best solution might come when you're not at your desk.

10. Join a Community That Values Code and Care

Surround yourself with other developers who care about both quality and well-being. Join an ABAP community, attend code retreats, or start a weekly clean-code roundtable. Share knowledge. Celebrate good practices. Stay human in a technical world.

You don’t have to walk the clean code path alone.

Final Thought

Being a conscious, relaxed clean coder isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s choosing clarity over complexity, care over quick fixes, and calm over chaos. The code you write reflects the state you’re in.

So breathe.

Refactor.

Test.

And trust that every small step adds up to something great.

P.S. Want to learn more about clean coding habits and principles, then subsribe to my newsletter which is sent every Wednesday to your inbox.