This post is simply a quote from my brother-in-law Forrest Kyle, which he kindly spent time writing out what he said to me on the phone while we discussed architectural practices. I wanted to share this, because I believe it is so well put.

In programming, genius rarely manifests itself in some radical new idea, or some blazing new algorithm that redefines the parameters of what is possible.  Often, genius is the visible result of a forceful and determined intensity of focus placed upon mundane details, and making sure software is fundamentally correct.  A good sign of a genius programmer is one who is willing to work closely with details that are “beneath him” if it serves the greater good of program efficiency and correctness.

Don’t allow yourself to make a design decision for which you can’t articulate a verbal defense.  Imagine yourself explaining why you made your design choices to a panel of super geniuses.  If you find yourself at a loss for words, it is likely that future users and developers of your program will find themselves at a loss for patience.

A source file is more than just a set of instructions for your computer; it is a formal engineering schematic and must be crafted in such a way that communication with other developers is as deeply ingrained in the presentation as the function of the program itself.  You are not writing source files for yourself, you are writing them for current and future coworkers.

Programmers who don’t feel the need to write clear, helpful documentation are like cats that don’t feel the need to use the litter box.

-Forrest Kyle

In closing, this really is not just a great explanation of solid programming, but of communication and thought out action.

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