When developing new software, code reuse (or software reuse) is described as reusing code that already exists, either within your business or externally. It’s possible to reuse existing code for similar tasks. Repurposing a tiny bit of internal code and relying on massive third-party libraries and open-source frameworks are only two examples of code reuse. While there are benefits and drawbacks to reusing code, one of the most important (and frequently underestimated) concerns is security. A company’s entire software application is at risk if they employ internal or external code that hasn’t been thoroughly checked for vulnerabilities. When it comes to third-party code that hasn’t been written and tested by their team, this is usually a significant worry. Regardless of what type of code it is, it needs to be high-quality, safe, secure, and reliable.
In an ideal situation, an app developer should be able to access stable and trusted code libraries. Furthermore, they should have the option of reusing code from these libraries to serve as building blocks within their application. In order for software code to be reusable, it needs to be easily extended and adapted for any new application, easily ported to different hardware if needed, and free of defects or problems that could affect an app’s reliability, safety, or security.
However, code or software reuse often proves challenging, especially for businesses with a considerable number of product components and development teams that are geographically dispersed. As a result, developers usually end up rebuilding the software from scratch or only reusing a small fraction of existing code in new projects. The three main reasons why there is some level of difficulty are organization and scale, administration, politics, and psychology. What’s more, the bigger the number of projects as well as the development team grows, the harder it is to reuse software. It isn’t easy to express the need for code reuse effectively. It’s also tough to provide sufficient assistance and feedback on code reuse. Additionally, it’s difficult to share libraries of reusable code. It can become a challenge to catalog, archive, and retrieve reusable assets on a global scale. Finally, office politics can be a barrier to software reuse at the corporate level. As business units strive for autonomy or compete with one another, they may prevent their assets from being reused by other units. On a more individual level, developers may see code reuse as suffocating their originality or indicating that their company lacks faith in their technical ability. Consequently, some developers are resistant to initiatives to enhance code reuse because of these factors.
There are obvious pros and cons to code reuse and third-party components, and you need to keep them in mind before considering it or completely denying its potential. First of all, it gives you a way to find existing code to add functionality to your software without having to start from scratch. Rather than wasting time creating code when it has already been done, you can instead spend your time creating unique, value-enhancing functionality to your app, thus decreasing development time. Obviously, when you spend more time adding unique elements and boosting the functionality of your software, you also have the potential to create a better product. Of course, the code also needs to be secure. Otherwise, even the best product can hurt a company’s reputation.
Some drawbacks to code reuse can include the potential of it being unsafe or full of vulnerabilities. To avoid this, you need to perform proper security checks to avoid exposing your software to data breaches. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that even if an insecure code is a small part of your project, the impact can be exponential, leading to large-scale problems if used within a more prominent component. Along those same lines, once an insecure code is reused and vulnerabilities have been exposed, you do not have much time to fix it. Finally, since you do not own third-party components, if changes are made that could impact your product, you will need to adjust the software immediately. In this case, even changes to a license agreement can dramatically affect an application.
Some software reuse techniques that can be used for secure development include: using software composition analysis tools, documenting the software supply chain, only allowing code reuse from trusted sources, managing patches, and changing mindsets. Firstly, before an application is released, you can use SCA tools to evaluate third-party source code, libraries, and frameworks to uncover security vulnerabilities and licensing concerns. You can also use other software vulnerability testing tools because combining tools is the only way to ensure that you’ve looked for vulnerabilities in both internal and external programs. Secondly, larger companies must document the software supply chain since it can be easy to lose track of all third-party components used across databases and code repositories.
If you’re working for a large company, then you should make a list of every open-source and third-party component and keep the list updated. This list should include the version of a component or library that is currently installed. The list can be managed with a repository management tool. A point person should be assigned to maintain control, notify required developers when updates or patches are needed, and enforce a fixed timeline. Third-party components should be checked regularly for security. If a flaw is discovered, the documentation can quickly identify all software that uses the affected components. Thirdly, you should only use code from popular libraries with active users when reusing. Any disclosed vulnerabilities are more likely to be rapidly shared if the user community is broad and engaged, allowing you to begin repair work immediately.
Last but not least, you need to pay as much attention to the security of your code as you do to functionality. Insecure code reuse can be reduced by doing security testing as part of the development process. As a developer, it’s worthwhile to invest in basic security training while writing more secure code. A company software’s overall risk posture will improve once its developers grasp the need to employ only trusted third-party components.
With so many apps out there at the moment, sometimes what developers and creators need is a way to jumpstart their application development. Currently, there is a lot of focus and investments on DevOps-related streams to build applications faster. However, to provide more services and fill the gap currently in the market, Open Weaver has launched their kandi platform to help developers jumpstart their application development. This platform is supported by the global reuse of 430 million knowledge items across public libraries, source code, APIs, and cloud functions based on the developer’s specific requirements. The platform also seamlessly integrates all open sources, public repositories, package providers, and user communities, enabling developers to pick suitable reusable software components.
Open Weaver’s platform helps people achieve productivity by enabling global reuse instead of reinventing the wheel. The Open Weaver team is united by the passion for improving digital development and has proven results in driving digital innovation. With kandi, they’re aiming to reinvent digital realization and improve the way applications are built.
To find out more about kandi, follow Open Weaver below:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/openweaver
https://www.facebook.com/OpenWeaver/
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.