Code Complete, 2nd Edition

Key Points

• One primary goal of programming is managing complexity.

• The programming process significantly affects the final product.

• Team programming is more an exercise in communicating with people than in communicating with a computer. Individual programming is more an exercise in communicating with yourself than with a computer.

• When abused, a programming convention can be a cure that's worse than the disease. Used thoughtfully, a convention adds valuable structure to the development environment and helps with managing complexity and communication.

• Programming in terms of the problem rather than the solution helps to manage complexity.

• Paying attention to intellectual warning signs like the "irritation of doubt" is especially important in programming ...