R71: Can't re-use code that you've written before?

[Rick TYler]

Our software team lead was the apprentice software guy last year. Some of the interpretations above would lead me to believe that he would have to forget some of the clever algorithms he learned last year, otherwise he would write them exactly the same way again this year. Once you've figured out an algorithm and code structure that works, it's still the same even if you have to type it in from memory. If the rule was in support of learning programming from scratch, it would make more sense just to prohibit anyone who knew C programming before the kick-off from working on the code. Personally, I don't know how to unlearn something on purpose.

I going with "the rule doesn't make sense to me." Amongst dozens of clear (and far-thinking) rules, a small gray cloud has crept in. I don't find the explanations above satisfying, either. I guess I'll post this on the FIRST Q&A if someone hasn't beaten me to it.