... programming requires more concentration than other activities. It's the reason programmers get upset about 'quick interruptions' - such interruptions are tantamount to asking a juggler to keep three balls in the air and hold your groceries at the same time.

Trying to apply formal methods to all software projects is just as bad as trying to apply code-and-fix development to all projects.

Engineering is the application of scientific principles toward practical ends. If the engineering isn't practical, it's bad engineering.

A typical software project can present more opportunities to learn from mistakes than some people get in a lifetime.

Motivation is undoubtedly the single greatest influence on how well people perform. Most productivity studies have found that motivation has a stronger influence on productivity than any other factor.

Good visual layout shows the logical structure of a program.

It's OK to figure out murder mysteries, but you shouldn't need to figure out code. You should be able to read it.