Programming requires the use of a fixed width (monospaced or fixed-proportional font) screen font so that all characters occupy the same width when displayed on screen. This is because some languages (Python, Scala, Java, C, etc.) depend on indention to block code together or to align up rectangular columnar blocks for code clarity.

When asked what I do professionally I almost always answer "I'm a Software Sanitation Engineer, more commonly known as a Code Janitor." Many people chuckle at this, however, I have found that it explains my normal daily work to both technical and non-technical people very clearly. In fact anyone who has received an email from me will attest that there is a tag line attached regularly that reads: Let’s be honest "bugs" is a euphemism for developer malpractice.

Python projects should be written in a coding style which strongly builds on PEP 8 (the basic python coding style document).

1. Honor PEP 8: Style Guide for Python Code

If you are editing Install Tools code you need to read the [http://www.python.org/peps/pep-0008.html PEP 8 Style Guide for Python Code] which, if in doubt, serves as the default coding-style for Install Tools.

2. Design By Contract