Extreme Programming for Not Yet Techies

"Computer Careers: Taking Software Development and Programming to Extreme Levels of Speed and Quality"

by Richard Stooker, President Info Ring Press and author of Secrets of Changing to a Computer Career

Extreme Programming / XP is a lightweight methodology for small teams (2-10) programmers following vague and rapidly changing conditions. Just begun in the early 90s, Extreme Programming/ XP aims to reduce the traditional problems of programming projects for both customers and programmers.

In March of 1996 Kent Beck, after working with Ward Cunningham and thinking about better ways to develop software, started a project at DaimlerChrysler using new concepts in software development. The result was Extreme Programming / XP.

Kent realized there are four dimensions along which one can improve any software project: communication, simplicity, feedback and courage. These are the four values sought out by programmers.

Kent said, let's take everything proven good in software development and push it to the limit. Hence the name Extreme Programming / XP. Add the insistence on customer satisfaction throughout the project, and this methodology actually reduces the risk of the project failing.

Extreme Programming / XP supports programmers who enjoy producing high quality software

That's because all coding is done by two programmers at one screen. That eliminates loneliness and boredom and also prevents from the beginning many mistakes that one programmer working alone can easily make.

Plus, it insists on continuous testing. The entire system is tested several times a day.

And Extreme Programming / XP does away with traditional specialization into programmers, analysts, architects, testers and integrators. Everyone designs and codes.

This Extreme Programming / XP methodology therefore emphasizes team work

Managers, customers and developers are all part of a team dedicated to delivering quality software. The customer is a continuous on-site member of the team, always available for feedback.

Extreme Programming / XP delivers a working system as soon as possible and then improves it as necessary based on experience and testing.

And Extreme Programming / XP has already been proven at cost conscious companies like Bayerische Landesbank, Credit Swiss Life, DaimlerChrysler, First Union National Bank, Ford Motor Company and UBS.

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