Programming Mantras

Best practices change over time, but Mantras remain true for decades and should be things to live by.  Not these cannot be circumvented but these generally provide direction in what is good:

1. Less code is better
2. Nothing is sacred
   
3. No FUD (fear uncertainty & doubt);  i.e. make points or decisions based on facts and number, not by invoking emotion and fear
4. Make it work, make it right then make it fast
   
5. Refactor often
6. Release and build often
7. Understand what you are going to do before you do it
8. Separation of duties is good