Derek- > I wonder how their performance compared to people who > were given lots of time to complete the task. There is a general > assumption that more time results in higher quality programs. > At some amount of elapsed time the quality difference should be > lost in the noise.
We were seeking to ascertain some overall design and work criteria that the subjects used. We emphasised to them that because it was a project squeezed into 3 hours then the primary aim was to get something rudimentary working, rather than something elegantly designed. However, they could use pen and paper to assist if they wanted to. All were comfortable going straight to coding, and pen and paper hardly got used. What struck me was how they consciously used the coding process to gain immediate feedback about their approach. When questioned, it was clear that going straight to coding, and using the coding and execution cycle to feedback into the design from the start, were the norm in their working habits. This is an example of what I call the 'extreme extreme programming' outlook naturally adopted by some software authors. >From a design theory point of view, it is intriguing to contemplate the pros and cons of working this way, and it would be interesting to investigate on a full project. > In my experience the style of sole authors usually dates from > when they started to program. Working by themselves means they > have limited exposure to different ways of doing things. Also people > stuck in a rut will often only change when they are forced to and > working on your own reduces the likelihood of such forces occurring. I would agree that many sole authors do stay in their comfort zone, but that can be because they have rejected new methodologies and environments in favour of a familiar technique and toolset that works perfectly well for them. For some, the technique of program development is simply a neutral toolset that does the more important job of realising their 'virtual cathedrals'. They wear many hats, programmer being just one of them. But perhaps being more open minded and learning to be self critical would further enhance the performance of sole authors. Richard ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PPIG Discuss List ([email protected]) Discuss admin: http://limitlessmail.net/mailman/listinfo/discuss Announce admin: http://limitlessmail.net/mailman/listinfo/announce PPIG Discuss archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/discuss%40ppig.org/
