QA & Requirements Gathering: Why?

QA & Requirements Gathering: Why?

One of the most common misconceptions about software testing is that QA does not come into play until the development of a module is complete and ready to test. In actuality, the earlier QA is involved in the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) the better. Studies...
The Fractalization of Requirements

The Fractalization of Requirements

Remember learning about fractals in math or science class? They’re repeating patterns that can be viewed at any scale. That is, keep zooming in on a fractal and you’ll keep seeing the same image — and the same complexity. When a project is first estimated, requirements are usually written at a high level with relatively little attention to detail. That’s especially true today, with the current focus on early releases, beta software, and fast iterations. Why write down a lot of details that are likely to be thrown away before implementation when the first customer release sends the app in a completely different direction?

Blog Rewind: Estimates and Requirements

Blog Rewind: Estimates and Requirements

While preparing some documents today I ended back here on the blog reading two posts from last year that are still fresh and deserve a second (or first, if you missed them the first time!) look. First, a post I wrote while waiting at the airport for a flight to SXSW...

Thoughts on Writing Software Requirements

I’ve had notes sitting around for months for a post on writing software project requirements, but Brett’s piece last Friday on Estimating Software Projects inspired me to pull them out.  Writing and estimating requirements is painful to most everyone...