Code quality at Belsimpel: Our toolbox for creating flawless software

Strong, reliable software is the foundation of our service, which is why code quality is always a priority at Belsimpel. But how do we ensure our code remains flawless, efficient, and future-proof? Software Engineer Thijs Havinga offers a glimpse into our approach.
Smart tools for top quality
We combine knowledge, documentation, and automated tools to continuously improve our code:
✅ Static code analysers detect errors before the code runs.
✅ Security scanners identify vulnerabilities and fix them early..
✅ Testing frameworks catch bugs through automated tests.
✅ Lintersensure code remains readable and consistent.
✅ Continuous Integration (CI) tests every change to keep new versions running smoothly.
This approach ensures our internal and external systems work flawlessly—for both customers and colleagues.
From the best code to the best customer experience
A fast, flawless website is essential. Customers should be able to order effortlessly, and our back-office colleagues must work without issues. A robust codebase prevents disruptions and accelerates innovation, allowing us to continuously improve at high speed.
A great example: PHPStan
At Belsimpel, we have successfully used PHPStan for years—the only static code analyser that is truly practical for our projects. PHPStan automatically checks for errors and improvements before our code goes live. This not only prevents bugs but also keeps our codebase clean and easy to maintain. The result? Hundreds of small and large issues are detected daily that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Open-source projects are the hidden force behind much of the technology we use every day. Developers worldwide invest their time and expertise, often voluntarily. We believe in contributing to these projects to help them grow and improve. Since we benefit from PHPStan every day, it only made sense for us to support the project financially.
Quality as a continuous process
At Belsimpel, we believe software quality is not a one-time effort but a continuous process of improvement, learning, and optimisation. By using the right tools and best practices, we keep advancing our software, ensuring our customers always enjoy a reliable and seamless digital experience.