[Laws] John Tobler's Exemplary Emulation Rule

You can find a lot of code out there on the Net.  Just make sure you follow this rule.

John Tobler's Exemplary Emulation Rule:

"Emulate the exemplary, not the 'examplary'!"

Be sure to read each word in this rule carefully.  Actually that's the seed concept for another rule, John Tobler's Really Readit Rule.

"Emulate" does not mean "mindlessly copy."  See the definition of "Emulate."

"Exemplary" implies "worthy."  See the definition of "Exemplary."

With respect to software development, most "example" code illustrates only the immediate principle under discussion and skips all that other "irrelevant" stuff (like error and exception checking) that would actually make your code workable, testable, efficient, and professional.

Note that John Tobler's Exemplary Emulation Rule actually applies far beyond the limited arena of software development!