3.4 Coding Religion

Computer scientists have devised many programming styles. These include structured programming, top-down programming, and goto-less programming. Each of these styles has its own following or cult. I use the term "religion" because people are taught to follow the rules without knowing the reasons behind them. For example, followers of the goto-less cult will never use a goto statement, even when it is natural to do so.

The rules presented in this book are the result of years of programming experience. I have discovered that by following these rules, I can create better programs. You do not have to follow them blindly. If you find a better system, by all means use it. (If it really works, drop me a line. I'd like to use it, too.)