I have to disagree with #6. You can either write code for the compiler or the human. I prefer to write it for the human, because a lot of times the compiler understands exactly what's going on, but I'm pretty clueless when I come back after only a few days. I think you meant not understanding how the language works so using a lot of extra commands when one would do. However it's common to "dumb down" your code, especially if it is tricky, for the poor schmuck that has to maintain it. Remember -- writing code should not be like writing a mystery novel.