Good code is its own best documentation. As you're about to add a comment, ask yourself, 'How can I improve the code so that this comment isn't needed?'

Programming, like other forms of art, happens in your head. Not in your hands. Reams of code is a side effect. Not the goal.

The purpose of software engineering is to control complexity, not to create it

The most fundamental problem in software development is complexity. There is only one basic way of dealing with complexity: divide and conquer.

90% of the functionality delivered now is better than 100% delivered never.

Getting software right is probably the most difficult task humanity has ever tackled.

Software development is a complex technical system, and managing software development is a complex sociopolitical system.

The idea that 'the computer will catch all errors' is a myth.

Debugging—the process of identifying, localizing, and fixing 'bugs'—will command a significant portion of your time and effort.

If you can get today's work done today, but you can't get tomorrow's work done today, then get today's work done.

Code Complete