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NewsMicrosoft Recall again... Pin
Jeremy Falcon28mins ago
professionalJeremy Falcon28mins ago 
GeneralWas I wrong about Analyst Programmers? Pin
5teveH1 hr 55mins ago
5teveH1 hr 55mins ago 
I've been in software development a long, long time. And I've always believed that the Analyst Programmer role was the best option, when it comes to getting things done. I should qualify that:

- an Analyst Programmer needs to have a good understanding of both the business and the technology/systems
- by "best", I mean most efficient.

This was borne out a couple of jobs back, when the software development team I was working in, consisted of experienced developers - and Analysts who had less understanding of the business, (than the developers), and no understanding of the technology/systems. Invariably, on receipt of a spec, developers would need to: identify actual requirements by talking to users; correct half-baked ideas that weren't in line with the technolgy; and devise their own testing. Analysts were actually making the whole job more difficult. Most - if not all - of the senior developers would have provided a quicker/better solution if they had done the analysis and spec work themselves. Yeah. Analyst Programmers.

Don't get me wrong. There are developers who shouldn't be let near a spec... or a user... and, in some cases, a keyboard. But they are the exception.

But there is one "blind spot" that a developer needs to overcome before taking on any sort of analysis role. Fast forward to today. I'm currently doing a few small jobs for a big company that has a small development team... and a "Solutions Architect". The Solutions Architect has been with the company for many years; started there as a programmer; has an in-depth understanding of both the business and the technology; and produces all the specs. But...

His mind-set is 100% that of a developer He has that "blind spot". And it's right there in his job title. What I want from a spec is a clear explanation of the problem - ideally with examples, that can provide the basis for testing. Want I don't want from a spec is just a solution. It's an easy trap to fall into. Developers tend to be fixers/solvers of problems - i.e. solution providers. If you can't explain the problem - the "why we need to do this" - you shouldn't be producing specs.

Remember... this just MHO. Smile | :)

modified 1hr 15mins ago.

GeneralRe: Was I wrong about Analyst Programmers? Pin
Sander Rossel1 hr 27mins ago
professionalSander Rossel1 hr 27mins ago 
GeneralRe: Was I wrong about Analyst Programmers? Pin
5teveH1 hr 5mins ago
5teveH1 hr 5mins ago 
GeneralRe: Was I wrong about Analyst Programmers? Pin
Richard MacCutchan44mins ago
mveRichard MacCutchan44mins ago 
GeneralRe: Was I wrong about Analyst Programmers? Pin
Alister Morton33mins ago
Alister Morton33mins ago 
GeneralRe: Was I wrong about Analyst Programmers? Pin
Maximilien1 hr 12mins ago
Maximilien1 hr 12mins ago 
GeneralCommas Pin
Gary Wheeler2hrs 48mins ago
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GeneralRe: Commas Pin
Peter_in_27802hrs 32mins ago
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GeneralRe: Commas Pin
Sander Rossel2hrs 18mins ago
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GeneralRe: Commas Pin
Gary Wheeler2hrs 4mins ago
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GeneralRe: Commas Pin
Alister Morton32mins ago
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Rage52mins ago
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GeneralRe: Commas Pin
Jeremy Falcon38mins ago
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GeneralRe: Commas Pin
Mircea Neacsu31mins ago
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GeneralIs the CCC too difficult Pin
pkfox3hrs 57mins ago
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
Richard MacCutchan3hrs 53mins ago
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
pkfox1 hr 53mins ago
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
pkfox2hrs 22mins ago
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
OriginalGriff1 hr 57mins ago
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GeneralRe: Is the CCC too difficult Pin
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