Unix Philosophy

wikipedia (opens in a new tab)

quotes:

• Build modular (opens in a new tab) programs
• Write readable programs
• Use composition
• Separate mechanisms from policy (opens in a new tab)
• Write simple programs
• Write small programs
• Write transparent programs
• Write robust programs
• Make data complicated when required, not the program
• Build on potential users' expected knowledge
• Avoid unnecessary output
• Write programs which fail in a way that is easy to diagnose
• Value developer time over machine time
• Write abstract programs that generate code (opens in a new tab) instead of writing code by hand
• Prototype (opens in a new tab) software before polishing it
• Write flexible and open programs
• Make the program and protocols extensible.

1. Small is beautiful.
2. Make each program do one thing well.
3. Build a prototype as soon as possible.
4. Choose portability over efficiency.
5. Store data in flat text files (opens in a new tab).
6. Use software leverage to your advantage.
7. Use shell scripts (opens in a new tab) to increase leverage and portability.
8. Avoid captive user interfaces.
9. _Make every program a filter (opens in a new tab)._