[SoftTalker]

Not sure if actually writing it out on paper is necessary. But along these lines I will often start my code by just writing comments explaining what the code in this file does. Then as I get into writing code, I break up the comments and insert the functions/classes below the comments that describe what they do. So sort of literate programming, but I don't usually go to the lengths that would really qualify that description..

I disagree about not using libraries. Libraries are almost always going to be better tested, better reviewed, and handle more edge cases than anything you come up with in-house. Of course if no suitable library exists you have no choice.

[markus_zhang]

I agree with the library being better tested part, so that's why I think it's better to find a job that actually doesn't allow the use of libraries (or too many of them), than to try to go to the bottom in a job that has 5 layers of abstraction.

It's good to hear the literate programming thing. I sometimes do that on paper when I need to clear my mind. Basically code in English but with C type {} as scope.