Impact-Based Prioritization: If a bug is causing crashes, security risks, or major usability issues, it gets top priority. If it’s a minor bug, I log it and bundle it into the next refactoring cycle. Time-Boxed Refactoring: I dedicate a portion of my sprint (e.g., 10-20%) for refactoring, ensuring that I don’t accumulate too much technical debt while still delivering fixes. Incremental Refactoring: Instead of large rewrites, I refactor pieces of code as I work on related bug fixes. This keeps improvements manageable without derailing urgent work. Automated Tests & Static Analysis: Tools like linters, SonarQube, and unit tests help maintain code quality, catching regressions before they become bigger problems.

While urgency takes priority, I also weigh long-term impact. Minor inconvenience bugs get lower priority. My approach: For urgent bugs with quick fixes, I implement immediate solutions and document for future refactoring. If fixing a bug requires similar effort to refactoring the underlying code, I choose refactoring as it solves both the current issue and prevents future problems. I maximize efficiency by: Batching similar tasks for better context retention Considering business impact on objectives and revenue Communicating trade-offs to stakeholders Tracking technical debt systematically Advocating for dedicated code quality improvement time I use CI/CD pipelines with targeted testing to maintain quality throughout this balancing act.

Prioritize based on immediate impact: Critical bugs affecting users or security always come first. For less urgent issues, implement a "fix + improve" approach - when addressing a bug in problematic code, refactor that specific section while you're there. Block out 20% of each sprint for targeted refactoring, focusing on areas that will most improve stability or developer productivity. Use metrics like bug frequency or feature delivery time to justify refactoring work to stakeholders. Document technical debt as you encounter it, tagging items with estimated cost of delay. This creates a sustainable rhythm where maintenance and progress coexist.

Prioritize urgent bug fixes to maintain functionality and user satisfaction. Implement a triage system to assess bug severity and impact. Schedule regular but limited time for refactoring to enhance code quality, reducing future bugs. Use agile methodologies to iteratively address both issues. Maintain clear communication with stakeholders to align on urgent needs versus long-term improvements, ensuring resource allocation reflects both immediate fixes and sustainable development.

Triage ruthlessly: Issues that compromise essential functioning or endanger security be promptly resolved. Use Impact and urgency to rank everything else. Refactor incrementally: Follow the boy scout rule, i.e., you should leave the code better than you found it, and refactor little chunks of code while fixing bugs or adding features rather than waiting for a large "refactor sprint." Timebox improvements: Allocate a certain portion of every sprint—let's say 10–20%—to refactoring and tech debt. Put it in a backlog and come back to it later if it doesn't fit. Automate code quality checks: CI pipelines, linters, and static analyzers help maintain code cleanliness without human intervention, freeing up time for real reworking.