Short answer: No, they're not. Longer answer: I'm confused by the examples given. Nothing there is a best practice IMO, they are only opinions. This writer is

Short answer: No, they're not. Longer answer: I'm confused by the examples given. Nothing there is a best practice IMO, they are only opinions. This writer is confusing "use git" or more basically "use version control" with the how's and why's underneath. Everything beyond "use it" is an opinion, with multiple "best" options depending on your desired workflow or requirements. Same for Java - the senior explained why this version of "best" is best for them, but the real best practice of "define your interface as a contract" is hidden behind these opinions. Contrast this with the civil engineer used as an example, who might say "use a safety factor of 3x rated weight for all fasteners" as their best practice. Using fasteners rated at 2x is a violation of that, but using screws vs bolts vs adhesive are all opinions and depend on the particulars and preferences of whoever is doing the work.