Developing and Managing Bugs in Your FiveM Server
How to navigate the challenges of development, handle bugs, and stay focused as a FiveM server owner.
Author: Goodleaf Hosting
Developing a FiveM server is no small task, especially when it comes to fixing bugs, adding new features, and managing a vision for your city. If you’ve dealt with unreliable “devs for hire,” struggled to solve issues, or felt overwhelmed by the demands of development, this guide is here to provide practical advice and motivation.
Bugs and the "Dev for Hire" Dilemma
Let’s be honest: many so-called "devs for hire" are copy/paste wizards. They patch issues temporarily but lack the skills to prevent problems in the first place, often causing more harm than good.
How to Avoid the Dev Trap:
- Vet Your Developers: Ask for portfolios, references, or examples of past work before hiring anyone.
- Learn the Basics: Understanding core development concepts reduces reliance on others and empowers you to fix issues yourself.
- Collaborate with Trusted Teams: Work with reliable developers who have a proven track record in the FiveM community.
Stop Being Blind: Read the Documentation
As a developer, your greatest tool is information. Yet too often, server owners skip over readily available resources like README files or documentation.
Key Advice:
- READ EVERYTHING: Before you ask for help, read the provided guides and documentation thoroughly.
- Google is Your Friend: Many common issues already have solutions online.
- Struggle is Part of Learning: Struggling through problems builds your understanding and problem-solving skills.
The Importance of Searching
Before posting questions in Discord or forums, search first. Most questions have been asked and answered already.
Why Search First?
- Saves Time: Immediate answers are often a quick search away.
- Builds Independence: You’ll develop problem-solving skills and rely less on others.
How to Search Effectively:
- Use specific keywords related to your issue.
- Look through forums, Discord channels, and community wikis.
New Features: Stay True to Your Vision
As the server owner, it’s your city, your vision. Don’t let player opinions sway you from implementing features that align with your goals.
Avoid the “People Pleaser” Trap:
- Set Clear Boundaries: While feedback is valuable, your decisions should align with your vision, not everyone else’s preferences.
- Consistency is Key: Players will respect your leadership if you stay consistent with your goals.
- Focus on Long-Term Success: Trying to please everyone will lead to burnout and chaos.
The Power of Focus and Changelogs
Staying focused during development is crucial, especially when progress feels slow or unproductive.
Practical Tips:
- Keep a Changelog: Document every change you make, no matter how small. This helps you track progress and stay motivated.
- Set Goals: Break tasks into manageable pieces and tackle them one at a time.
- Learn from Setbacks: If you spend hours without tangible progress, remember that learning is part of the process.
Ask Yourself:
“What did I do today to improve the server?”
If the answer is “nothing,” that’s okay—it means you’re learning. Coding and development take time to master, and every struggle brings you closer to success.
Final Thoughts
Developing a FiveM server requires patience, determination, and a willingness to learn. By reading documentation, searching for answers, staying focused on your vision, and tracking your progress, you’ll not only grow as a developer but also create a server that players love.
Ready for reliable hosting to support your development journey? Goodleaf Hosting offers optimized servers designed for FiveM, ensuring your city runs smoothly while you focus on building your dream. Start your journey today!
