diff --git a/HACKING b/HACKING
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+Test Data/Configuration
+-----------------------
+- Assume nothing about existing test data
+- Tests should be self contained (provide their own data)
+- Clean up test data at the completion of each test
+- Use configuration files for values that will vary by environment
+
+General
+-------
+- Put two newlines between top-level code (funcs, classes, etc)
+- Put one newline between methods in classes and anywhere else
+- Do not write "except:", use "except Exception:" at the very least
+- Include your name with TODOs as in "#TODO(termie)"
+- Do not name anything the same name as a built-in or reserved word
\ No newline at end of file