... it is a fundamental principle of testing that you must know in advance the answer each test case is supposed to produce. If you don't, you are not testing; you are experimenting.

Trivia rarely affect efficiency. Are all the machinations worth it, when their primary effect is to make the code less readable?

Some compilers allow a check during execution that subscripts do not exceed array dimensions. This is a help, but not sufficient. First, many programmers do not use such compilers because They're not efficient. (Presumably, this means that it is vital to get the wrong answers quickly.)

Trying to outsmart a compiler defeats much of the purpose of using one.

The most effective debugging tool is still careful thought, coupled with judiciously placed print statements.

C is a razor-sharp tool, with which one can create an elegant and efficient program or a bloody mess.

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