- Always think how to simplify the code you write, since simple code is easier to maintain and debug.
- Prefer writing dumb code than smart code. Smart code is good for programming contests. Smart code is very bad in production when it needs to be debugged or refactored.
- Always think about improving the usability of the software product you work on. Users don't care about code. They care about UX of your product.
- Fix small usability issues as soon as you notice them, since these issues are usually the most annoying for end users.
- Do not start writing code with some popular design patterns. Just write the most simple code, which resolves the given task. Later, the best design patterns will evolve organically from the code solving the particular task.
VictoriaMetrics development goals are based on these rules - https://docs.victoriametrics.com/goals/