Default Value Definition
Default Value – a value pre-set in advance or the content chosen initially for a variable, parameter, or property if no other specific value has been given. This is the fallback value that guarantees there will always be a proper value for the entity in question, though not necessarily supplied by user or program logic directly.
In variable declaration or initiation in many programming and also object-oriented programming, defaults are usually set. Similarly, in database management systems, one has the luxury of being able to define a default value for columns of a table so that if no value is provided during insertion, then the column would be automatically populated with the predetermined value.
However, developers should pay attention while such defaults are used to select default values because they need to be in sync with what the associated system or application expects or requires.
To explain this moment in a more straightforward way, when a user ends up on an eCommecre website, looking for a specific item, they are able to choose some categories as “Vegetables” in a special form.
The moment when they don’t make a choice and receive a default list of items on the page it’s the usage of a Default Value — there are no specifications attached yet, and it works with computers and systems in the same way. In other words, when you see an online form with a pre-made option — it’s called the Default Value.
If you would like to review more real-time examples where it can be truly helpful, there are country/city selections that can be set by default or pre-defined based on the location you share online, as well as the code for your phone number, or address part of your email.
Why is Default Value important?
From the tech side and the user side, it’s all about convenience as when you buy a new smartphone and start it, the messages and instructions appear in English, a common language worldwide, with the ability for you to select a preferred language to keep going with administration.
Talking in a more extended language referring to the systems we use daily, Default Value allows programs and apps to work smoothly with fewer mistakes, for instance, if a user is ordering food online and forget to input some obligatory information, the blank value will not allow them to move on, or it will use the default mode.
It’s widely used by our bespoke software development company for various projects to simplify user experiences in a plethora of industries. Let’s break down some examples and tlak about the application for mental health that comes with pre-made notification settings — all the additional alerts are muted by default, with the ability for end-users to choose if they want to receive them.
Moreover, the vital aspect of security can not go without a Default Value that ensures basic protection levels to keep things private at the first place, and then points can be removed or added by users.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of Default Value?
Mostly, the advantages are aimed at end-users as the data-entering process may be complicated for people who are not tech-savvy experts as the example with a smartphone we wrote above. As all the settings are default, typically a person can start using a device right after turning it on, of course, without enhanced customization (which can be added later).
When applying for a project creation from a software development outsourcing company, customers carefully decide on what Default Value is suitable for their solution in different parts of a product.
Another moment to be noticed is that you can put any type of data into such columns, from numbers to one-two words or even sentences if it’s required for your needs. Moreover, it can be applied for built-in systems that your departments use for daily tasks, like sending reports to few managers simultaneously by default, without the need to spend extra time and choose the emails or contacts manually.
There are some discussions across engineering forums that try to define if this option is a 100% good thing and what cons it can hide, yet, the developers do not have a common decision on this topic. According to our experience and research, the core disadvantage of Default Value is in its usage for different purposes when engineers have to be careful with options they choose.
Experienced providers are well-aware of these moments and can prevent any problems, so if you are a business owner seeking help with software or app creation, it’s advisable to ensure the vendor is professional, diving deeper into small yet vital part of your software as Default Value. Also, it shows the level of their engagement into your project as even some minor errors can lead to extensive issues with performance and user experience.