Well, there are a lot of people that shouldn't be in the business.

I don't think you know what a "coding standard" is. It's not just formatting.

Can't agree with "not very much at all".

I don't really care what coding standard you use, pick one any one. But here's the rub, pick one and stick with it.

I get really exhausted and tired having to jump between 4 or 5 completely different coding styles in the same project. And I'm not just talking about indentation and formatting. I'm talking about how problems are solved.

For example: If you're coding in Java and the "style" is to Using Apache StringUtils for what it does, then use that. Don't go create your own monster mess that does the same thing, then force me to take 15 minutes to figure out you re-wrote StringUtils for no damn good reason.

I've watched developers struggle with this and waste hours upon hours tracking down bugs because of stuff like this. And, you know what? They never want to admit it's because the code is a typographical mess that puts your eyes into unending calisthenics.

I'm willing to bet that list is smaller than the list of terrorists who didn't get on a plain for fear of having their ass kicked by Joe Public when they attempt something.