Web development is not just about writing code. Over the years, I have realised that a consistent daily workflow matters more than knowing one more framework or library. A good workflow keeps you productive, reduces bugs, improves code quality, and helps you deliver features on time without burning out.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my daily workflow as a web developer, focused mainly on Angular-based projects, but the principles apply to most modern web applications. This is not a motivational post or a textbook explanation. This is a real, practical, production-ready workflow that I follow while working on enterprise and long-term projects.
I’m writing this for senior developers and experienced engineers, but even mid-level developers can adopt most of these practices immediately.
1. Starting the Day: Preparing the Mind and System
1.1 Checking System and Environment Health
Before opening any editor, I make sure my development environment is stable.
Things I quickly check:
Internet connectivity (especially VPN if required)
Backend services status (local or remote)
Docker containers (if used)
Node and npm versions
Angular CLI version
I do not upgrade tools first thing in the morning unless it’s planned. Unexpected upgrades can break builds and waste time.
A simple command I often run:
node -v
npm -v
ng version
If something looks off, I fix it immediately instead of postponing it.
1.2 Reviewing Yesterday’s Work
I always start by reviewing:
This helps me avoid context switching later.
I usually:
This 10-minute habit saves hours during the day.
2. Planning the Day’s Work (Very Important)
2.1 Breaking Tasks Into Technical Units
Instead of saying:
“I’ll work on user profile module”
I break it into:
API integration
Angular module setup
Reactive form creation
Validation rules
Error handling
Unit tests
UI edge cases
Each task is small and measurable.
This makes estimation realistic and progress visible.
2.2 Reading Requirements Like a Developer
I don’t just read tickets like a checklist. I try to understand:
Business intent
Edge cases
Future extensibility
Performance impact
For Angular projects, I ask:
Will this feature grow later?
Should this be a lazy-loaded module?
Is this reusable or feature-specific?
If requirements are unclear, I clarify before writing code.
3. Setting Up the Angular Workspace
3.1 Folder Structure Discipline
A clean Angular structure reduces confusion.
My general structure:
src/
app/
core/
shared/
features/
user-profile/
components/
services/
models/
user-profile.module.ts
user-profile-routing.module.ts
Rules I follow:
core for singleton services
shared for reusable components and pipes
features for business modules
No shortcuts. No dumping everything in app.
3.2 Angular Module Strategy
I always ask:
Lazy loading improves:
Initial load time
Maintainability
Team collaboration
Example
{
path: 'profile',
loadChildren: () =>
import('./features/user-profile/user-profile.module')
.then(m => m.UserProfileModule)
}
4. Writing Code: My Core Development Flow
4.1 Starting with Models and Interfaces
Before touching UI, I define models.
Example
export interface UserProfile {
id: string;
name: string;
email: string;
phone?: string;
createdAt: string;
}
Benefits
Type safety
Better IntelliSense
Clear data contracts
I avoid any unless absolutely necessary.
4.2 Service-First Development
I always build Angular services before components.
Example
@Injectable({ providedIn: 'root' })
export class UserProfileService {
constructor(private http: HttpClient) {}
getProfile(): Observable<UserProfile> {
return this.http.get<UserProfile>('/api/profile');
}
}
Why?
Easier testing
Separation of concerns
Reusability
Components should never contain business logic.
4.3 Reactive Programming Discipline
I use RxJS intentionally, not blindly.
Rules I follow:
Example
this.profile$ = this.userProfileService.getProfile().pipe(
catchError(err => {
this.error = 'Failed to load profile';
return EMPTY;
})
);
No silent failures. No console-only errors.
5. Angular Forms: Real-World Approach
5.1 Always Reactive Forms
I never use template-driven forms in production Angular apps.
Reactive forms give:
Example
this.form = this.fb.group({
name: ['', Validators.required],
email: ['', [Validators.required, Validators.email]]
});
5.2 Validation Strategy
Validation rules:
Frontend for UX
Backend for security
I never rely only on frontend validation.
Error handling:
6. UI Development with Practical Discipline
6.1 Component Size Control
If a component crosses:
300 lines of TS
200 lines of HTML
I split it.
Large components are hard to:
6.2 Change Detection Strategy
I use OnPush wherever possible.
@Component({
changeDetection: ChangeDetectionStrategy.OnPush
})
Benefits
Better performance
Predictable UI updates
But I use it only when I understand data flow properly.
7. State Management Decisions
7.1 When I Use NgRx (And When I Don’t)
I don’t use NgRx everywhere.
I use NgRx when:
I avoid NgRx for:
Simple CRUD screens
Small feature modules
Overengineering is also a problem.
8. Testing as Part of Daily Workflow
8.1 Unit Testing Strategy
I write:
Service tests
Business logic tests
I don’t aim for 100% coverage blindly.
Example
it('should fetch user profile', () => {
service.getProfile().subscribe(profile => {
expect(profile).toBeTruthy();
});
});
8.2 Manual Testing Before Push
Before pushing code:
Test happy path
Test invalid input
Test network failure
Automated tests are important, but manual sanity checks catch real issues.
9. Git Workflow Discipline
9.1 Small, Meaningful Commits
Bad commit
fix stuff
Good commit
feat(profile): add reactive form with validation
I commit:
After logical units
With clear messages
9.2 Pull Requests
Before raising PR:
Rebase branch
Remove console logs
Run lint and tests
I review my own PR first.
10. Debugging Strategy
10.1 Browser DevTools Over Console Logs
I use:
Breakpoints
Network tab
Performance tab
Console logs are temporary, not a solution.
10.2 Angular-Specific Debugging
I use:
Augury
RxJS debugging tools
Zone.js awareness
Understanding Angular internals saves time.
11. Performance Awareness
11.1 Lazy Loading and Code Splitting
I always check:
Bundle size
Initial load time
Large apps suffer without lazy loading.
11.2 Avoiding Common Performance Mistakes
I avoid:
12. Security Considerations in Daily Work
I ensure:
Angular helps, but developers must stay alert.
13. End-of-Day Routine
13.1 Code Cleanup
Before closing work:
Remove unused files
Fix TODOs
Format code
13.2 Documentation Notes
I leave:
Clear comments
Jira updates
PR descriptions
Tomorrow-me will thank today-me.
14. Continuous Improvement
I regularly:
A workflow evolves. It’s never final.
Final Thoughts
A daily workflow is not about rigid rules. It’s about reducing chaos and increasing clarity. Over time, this workflow helped me: