What best practice should be followed when customizing Guidewire applications?

Maintaining clear documentation and avoiding alterations to the core code are fundamental best practices when customizing Guidewire applications. This approach helps ensure that when upgrades or patches are applied to the Guidewire software, the integrity and functionality of the customizations are preserved.

By documenting the customizations clearly, future developers or team members can understand the intent and functionality behind each change, which facilitates easier troubleshooting and onboarding. Additionally, keeping core code intact minimizes the risk of conflicts and bugs that can arise during system upgrades, as the core software is then less likely to be impacted by custom changes.

Other practices, such as changing the main code for performance improvements or keeping customizations secret, can lead to significant maintenance challenges and reduce the overall reliability of the application. By adhering to best practices, organizations can ensure smoother upgrades and maintain better control over their applications.