Extreme Methods - Are They Right For Us?

Like a lot of people in the world of software, I had heard of extreme programming (XP) and knew enough of the concepts to be interested. I had even bought the book for some of my customers to attempt to define a more rational way of working in an environment of rapid change and limited appetite for long scoping phases.


Some of the concepts of extreme programming, such as pair programming, customer-centric development, openness and frequent refactoring are core to my beliefs. The healthiest projects I have worked in have embraced these philosophies and have produced well finished, working systems with happy clients and happy developers. It sounds like that should happen every time but we’ve all been around long enough to no it is not a “given”.


The partners at Red River Software set up the business with an ethos which has proved very successful. It encompasses many of the aspects of openness and partnership we will discuss in this thread. But more of the business later for now my aim is to test out extreme programming and its suitability for the projects we come across in our business.
What will this take?


Firstly, I will have to brush up on the theory and practice of Extreme programming. I am starting with the two of the most commonly read texts on the subject “Extreme Programming Explained” and “Extreme Programming Installed.


Secondly, I will pick a project and document our journey through the project.


Finally, I intend to have a wash-up discussion at the end with the aim of refining or shaping extreme programming to suit the shape of our business.


I intend to highlight the theories of extreme programming in the coming weeks and show where the theory works well in practice and where we are struggling with it. I would welcome feedback on anything written and if needed, other people’s experiences and wisdom on this subject.


I am in the process of setting up an “extreme methods group” in my local enterprise area which will explore the implementation of the extreme ideas in businesses other than software. That’s another story (those that know extreme methods-please excuse the pun).


The next blog entry will be the start…


References:
Extreme Programming - Explained

Extreme Programming - Installed