Incidently, since I mentioned Mcconnell a few times, I should mention that I disagree with him on the subject of braces. He says that you should use either of the following:

Code:

---

  if (x) {
    doSomething()
  }

---

-or-

Code:

---

  if (x)
    {
    doSomething();
    }

---

And specifically NOT to use

Code:

---

  if (x)
  {
    doSomething();
  }

---

I have never seen the second format style used (which doesn't mean that it isn't) and am much more comfortable with the third style that I use every day. His arguments that the braces hinder understanding program flow in the third example don't hold water with me, or the majority of programmers it seems. He could be right, but it makes me feel good to know that I disagree with him on something (because on just about every other concept of programming I buy his logic, hook, line, and sinker).