[robmccoll]

The main thing that resonated with me is keep your software simple. Don't try to be cute or clever. Don't whip out your favorite OO design pattern when a simple function will do. Don't try to optimize the function you spend 1% of your time in. Follow Unix design principles. Simple is easy to maintain, easy to debug, easy to learn, easy to understand. Impress your peers by writing good code that works well rather than code that only you understand (and even then you will have to relearn when you come back to it in six months).

[dba7dba]

If I may dare to add:

... writing good code (that others, including yourself 1 year from now, can maintain easily) that works well ...

[bsdpython]

Yes, yes and yes. In general my philosophy is this: you aren't a genius so KISS. Ohh you are a genius? Well the guy next to you isn't and he has to work with you so KISG (keep it simple genius).