Appendix C: Religion, Landmines, and Distractions

Diversions = Opportunities to Take Your Eyes off the Ball

Nearly 20 years ago, while working with a friend, a fellow mainframe pro grammer, I recall having a discussion about career goals and staying focused on the big picture. On that occasion, I was offered a piece of advice, one that I remember to this day:

"Remember, puppy , whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye on the donut, and not the hole."

I admit, in my younger days, I did wonder what puppies and donuts had to do with career interest. It was not until later in life that I grew to really appreciate the possible meaning and the intent behind the advice. It echoes still.

Through the years, I have interpreted and reinterpreted that piece of advice. My latest interpretation relates to a few things ”possible distractions that you are likely to come across while retraining for the Windows and Web .NET arena. That, by the way, will be your focus in this appendix.

The first portion of this appendix covers a few compiler differences that some developers tend to care a lot about. From there, you will revisit the topic of vendor and platform competition. The last portion of this appendix includes some dis cussion about coding style preferences.