Software Reality

Taking time to get it right == un-agile?

My latest article just appeared on Reg Developer: Hafta Man and the threat to agile design. That's hafta as in "we hafta do it this way because..."

The idea behind the article is that there are essentially 3 design mindsets:

1. We "hafta" do it this way because...
2. Wouldn't it be great, if it could work this way...
3. My grand design is just getting started!

Mindset 1. generally leads to a whole load of compromises and a project that creaks worryingly every time it moves. Mindset 2. is the opposite: a flat-out refusal to compromise on design quality, especially when maintainability is at stake.

Comment judiciously, refactor if needed, avoid the 'f' word

My latest article over at Reg Developer:

Comments can be abused as easily as any other tool or technique. You know comments - and, indeed, the project - have become dysfunctional when you start to see gripes and swearing, or flames concerning either the code or the individual who wrote the code.

When the Windows 2000 source was leaked a few years back the code was, to Microsoft's embarrassment, liberally infused with the bitter side swipes and literary headbutts of some deeply frustrated programmers.

Read more at Reg Developer...