Thoughts on being a programmer

Tonight I came across this great list of thoughts on being a programmer. I thought I’d add a few of my own.

Respect the fact that most code has a life cycle that will extend beyond your personal involvement in the project.
Always leave the code cleaner than you found it.
The occasional all-nighter is good for the soul
Too many all-nighters is bad for your health.
This ratio changes when you hit 30.
Comment the whys not the whats.
Commit. Commit. Commit.
Don’t pirate tools that help you earn a paycheck.
Work on things that interest you.
Learn something new as often as possible.
Step wildly out of your comfort zone from time to time.
The occasional impossible deadlines are opportunities to feel like Batman.
Respect yourself.
Stand up for yourself.
Don’t reinvent the wheel unless you can make a better wheel.