I am still decompressing from the tech debt workshop. It was an exhausting but awesome two days. Right now, I’ve got the day job to do, plus lots of video editing, thank-you notes, and follow up work. But here’s a quick few things that came up: * Ignorance I’ve come to separate bad code written […]
My position on Tech Debt – I
For the workshop on technical debt, everyone has to write a position paper, give a case study, do a talk, OR do a tutorial. (“One of the above.”) That includes me. So I have decided to write two position papers, and, maybe, show some of the process on Creative Chaos. The first position paper will […]
Technical Debt – VIII
Update on the Workshop On Technical Debt: I have a handshake deal for facilities that should be signed in the next two weeks, and most of the logistics are worked out. We’re still targeting August 14/15 in West Michigan – (Possible evening of the 13th) Details to come. This is going to fun.
Technical Debt – VII
The technical debt series took me to an different place that I expected. I have come to believe that, when it comes to Technical Debt, as an industry … we have more questions than answers. Sure, you can use the Nancy Reagan approach and “Just Say No”, but the reality is that system factors impact […]
Technical Debt – VI
After a brief hiatus, I would like to return to the subject of technical debt. First off, I don’t think technical debt is a question of “Yes or No”, but instead a question of “How Much.” After all, everyone loves the company where the boss gives them all the time they need to implement the […]
Technical Debt – V
Overall, I haven’t been happy with the Technical Debt Series. For one thing, it reads like old cliches “Just don’t do it” is just like advice to lose weight – eat less, exercise more. People who are overweight are drawn by an entire system of forces to eat more and exercise less. The advantage to […]
Technical Debt – IV
Last Time I talked about how to avoid technical debt as a contributor. I am convinced that by un-training management you can both restore a sane life and decrease the debt. So your manager, Timmy, doesn’t come to you anymore. The problem is, he’s got two other people who are (very) willing to take unprofessional […]
Technical Debt – III
I promised to offer three ways to limit technical debt – Personally, how to impact members on the team you contribute on, and how to impact members on the team you manage. I would like to start with the first. Please be aware: This is not a guide to managing your manager, but how to […]
Technical Debt II.5 –
I’ve been struggling for the past two weeks to put up a post on technical debt that doesn’t sound like passive-aggressive “how to manage your boss” or “how to trick your boss.” That is not my intent. So, while I may post one of my working copies later, I’d like to make this clear now. […]
Technical Debt – II
Before I jump to solutions, I’d like to take a moment and talk about entropy. (From the site “If you assert that nature tends to take things from order to disorder and give an example or two, then you will get almost universal recognition and assent. It is a part of our common experience. Spend […]
On Technical Debt – I
Andy Lester was in town last week, and he did a wonderful talk on technical debt. Andy’s main point seemed to be that technical debt (like real debt) is a drag on the project. By taking shortcuts today (in documentation, or coding, or skipping tests – or cutting and pasting when we should be generalising) […]