the non-bloat collective

Good Software

This page is about what a good program should look like, and details the expected standards for a non-bloat program.

Speed

A non-bloat program should be fast on computers made after the year 2004. These computers are perfectly capable at running a lot of common computer software, as long as it isn't bloated

Accessibility

A non-bloat program should be accessible. Not just in the way that the program is accessible to people, like with disability accommodations, but also in the way that the program is accessible to computers.

Programs should be written in either C89 or C99. These are the most portable languages ever, as C is usually available on whatever CPU architecture you're using. The only case where another language can be used is for a server program, as long as the client is perfectly accessible. Using C89 or C99 won't cause issues later on where you want to support a certain CPU architecture but can't, because your compiler is holding you back.

Programs should be designed to be easily ported to other platforms. Do not rely on non-portable libraries, or they will hold you back in the future. Create backends for different parts of your software, like windowing or graphics, so you can easily add new backends to support other hardware.