The Intellectual Toolbox

Taken from:

Code Complete, Second Edition.

by Steve McConnell

People are effective at develping high-quality software have spent years accumulating dozens of techniques, trick, and magic incantations. The techniques are not rules; they are analytical tools. A good craftsman knows the right tool for the jobe and knows how to use it correctly. Programmers do, too. The more you learn about programming, the more you fill your mental toolbox with analytical tools and the knowledge of when to use them and how to use them correctly.

In software, consultants sometimes tell you to buy into certain software-development methods to the exlusion of other methods. That's unfortunate because if you buy into anay single methodology 100 percent, you'll see the whole world in terms of that methodology. In some instances. you'll miss opportunities to use other methods better suited to your current problem. The toolbox methaphor helps to keep all the methods, techniques, and tips in perspective-ready for use when appropriate.