programming-for-dummies

Software Engineering Methods 113
Advocates of extreme programming argue that the only truly important
product of the system development process is code. Without a working program,
you have nothing.
Book I
Chapter 5
Coding is more than just typing in program commands — it also includes figuring
out the best way to write that program in the first place. For instance,
in extreme programming, when faced with several alternatives for a programming
problem, one should simply code all solutions and determine with
automated tests (which I discuss in the following section) which solution is
most suitable.
Managing Large
Projects with
Software
Engineering
Coding also means communicating on a consistent basis with
✦ The customer. Constant communication with the customer means that
the customer can always see the program’s progress and offer feedback on
what the program’s doing right and what it’s doing wrong. By doing this,
extreme programming lets the customer play an active role in shaping the
final program.
Under the waterfall method, the customer can give feedback to the programming
team only during the analysis phase. After the analysis phase
is complete, the customer never sees the program until it’s completed
the testing phase. By that time, the program may not look or act anything
like the customer wanted.
✦ Other programmers. Constant communication with other programmers
on the project means not only talking with them, but writing clear, concise
program designs that can’t be misinterpreted. By constantly communicating
with other programmers, extreme programming encourages programmers
to know exactly what other programmers are doing so putting
together the various parts of the program can be much simpler.
Under the waterfall method, it’s perfectly possible for teams of programmers
to work independently only to find later that their different program
parts don’t work together like they’re supposed to.
Sequence
Unlike the waterfall method, which is predictive and process-oriented, extreme
programming is adaptive and people-oriented. Extreme programming adapts to
the customer’s needs (rather than shutting the customer out after the analysis
phase is complete). By keeping the customer involved, the program’s directed
by the customer’s needs rather than a fixed time schedule.