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 because programming is almost purely a mental activity.

The more you iterate in each development activity, the better the product of that activity will be.

Dogmatic methodologies and high-quality software development don't mix. Fill your intellectual toolbox with programming alternatives, and improve your skill at choosing the right tool for the job.