Preventive Programming Techniques:: Avoid and Correct Common Mistakes

Preventative Programming Techniques provides programmers with a clear and intelligent approach to detecting, preventing, and correcting the most common mistakes. It includes practical ways to reduce problems that occur every day, and provides methods, for correcting problems that already exist. Using a medical metaphor, each of the common problems is presented as an illness. Each illness is then presented in a structured approach that includes a basic description, common symptoms, prevention methods cures, and related illnesses to look for. The majority of the principles and practices espoused are language independent and focus on instructing programmers how to detect and avoid problems. It also includes guidelines on determining when and how to refactor or rewrite code.Some of the major and minor illnesses found throughtout programming, include premature optimization, CAP (cut and paste) epidemic, NIH (not invented here) syndrome, complexification, oversimplification, docuphobia, and more. If you're a programmer, you''ve made these mistakes or you've had to deal with code that has them in it. To learn how to prevent and fix these problems, check out all of the illnesses?you're sure to find reading through each category of illness from start to finish, and experienced programmers will benefit from the insightful tips and anecdotes.KEY FEATURES: Provides insightful guidelines for avoiding common programming mistakes and writing cleaner, more efficient codeEmphasizes early detection and resolution before the costs of problems explodeCovers all problems from a non-language specific approach, providing examples in C++ and JavaTeachers practical guidelines for detecting what may seem like obvious mistakes that often go undetected until they cause serious problemsIncludes a variety of tips and anecdotes that benefit all levels of programmersTable Of Contents :PART I : Major Illnesses1. Premature Optimization 2. CAP Epidemic 3. NIH Syndrome PART II : Minor Illnesses4. Complexification 5. Over Simplification 6. Docuphobia 7. i 8. Hardcode9. Brittle Bones10. Requirements Deficiency11. Myopia 12. ConclusionAppendix A TeamworkAppendix B ReferencesAppendix C About the CD-ROMAbout Author :Brian Hawkins (Los Angeles, CA) began his career doing research at JustSystem Pittsburgh Research Center where he focused on scripted character animation using natural language. He worked at Activision as the game core lead on Star Trek: Armada, and contributed to Civilization: Call to Power and Call to Power 2. He also worked for Seven Studios as lead programmer on Defender and now operates his own consulting company. He holds a BS in mathematics and computer science from Carnegie Mellon University.