Everyone makes mistakes

I still remember the very first code I wrote in Object Script

Coming from Python, it felt so strange at first, but over time I started to see why the language was built the way it is.

If you’re just starting out, keep in mind that ObjectScript might feel a bit niche and mostly tied to IRIS products, but the way you work with it can really pay off - fast development, a powerful database, and a solid platform to learn on.

Sometimes it feels like you’ve stepped into a world that’s both familiar and different.

You’ll recognize bits of SQL, object-oriented concepts, but all mixed together in its own unique style. And like with any language, beginners tend to fall into a few common traps.

Scope matters

A lot of mistakes come from skipping the basics, things like how variables are scoped or how data persists aren’t just little details - they’re the foundation. I’ve seen new developers accidentally overwrite values because they didn’t realize local and global variables behave differently, slow down, take the time to really understand those fundamentals, and you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches later.

Functional or OOP?

Object Script is a unique blend, some people try to treat it like pure functional language, others like a standard object-oriented language - Neither works perfectly, the real strength is when you use both, every task and there is own solution, lean on SQL when it makes sense, wrote a fast-functional code, and switch to OO patterns when that’s the better fit.

Don’t overcomplicate things

Another trap I’ve noticed is when we writing way too much code for a simple problem, because Object Script feels different, people sometimes force patterns from other languages onto it, but most of the time, there’s already a simpler way built in - Before you write that big loop or extra class, ask yourself -  is there an easier way to do this here? Usually, the answer is yes.

Don’t ignore error handling

When you’re just trying to “get it working,” it’s easy to skip proper error handling, but when something breaks - and it will believe me - that’s when you feel the pain, learning how to catch, log, and handle errors early makes debugging so much easier and saves your teammates (and future self) a ton of frustration.

Globals stick around

globals are powerful, but they’re also persistent - that means your data hangs around until you clean it up, new devs or even mid often forget this, and end up with messy leftovers polluting their results, treat globals carefully and make sure you’re not leaving behind junk data.

Write code people can read

It’s one thing to get something working, it’s another to make sure someone else can understand it later, consistent naming, comments, and keeping things simple go a long way, you might think you’ll remember what your code does - but you won’t.

clean code is a kindness to yourself and anyone who has to work with it after you.

Enjoy the journey is really what matters