| 1. | Use a modern editor such as TextPad or Visual Studio |
| 2. | Eliminate explicit conversions such as INT and FLOAT |
| 3. | Write in free format |
| 4. | Eliminate explicit type functions such as CLOG and AMAX1 |
| 5. | Always use END PROGRAM/ SUBROUTINE/ FUNCTION |
| 6. | Use user defined generic procedures whenever possible |
| 7. | Use more than one compiler to verify a program |
| 8. | Add include 'use.h' to the header for every routine |
| 9. | Remove explicit file system locations in include statements |
| 10. | Write code in lower case letters |
| 11. | Write include files in fixed format with directives |
| 12. | Eliminate labels in the source code (use DO/ END DO) |
| 13. | Eliminate constants in the middle of source code |
| 14. | Collect the format statements into one location at the bottom of the code |
| 15. | Avoid putting labels on anything other than FORMAT (or CONTINUE) |
| 16. | Write a heading onto each routine showing its arguments clearly |
| 17. | Use array syntax whenever possible |
| 18. | Avoid GOTO - it is a four letter word |
| 19. | Reduce complexity count whenever possible |
| 20. | Indent the code to show the hierarchy |
| 21. | Write a module for all routines in the program as a list of INCLUDE statements |
| 22. | Use the module when compiling client applications, to get signature checking |