- Run lint frequently and study its output carefully.
- Never dereference a null pointer.
- Cast function arguments to expected types explicitly.
- Declare library function return types if headers are missing.
- Check array bounds and avoid using gets().
- Always check error return codes from functions.
- Study and reuse libraries instead of reinventing them.
- Use the K&R brace style for clarity and consistency.
- Ensure external identifiers are unique in the first six characters.
- Write portable code; avoid assuming a specific architecture.