The Joel Test: 12 Steps to Better Code (2000)

https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2000/08/09/the-joel-test-12-steps-to-better-code/

by compiler-guy • 2 years ago

3 2 2 years ago

I submit this so folks can see just how far we have come in almost 25 years. Very, very few shops don't pass this today, but it was rare in 2000.

eesmith• 2 years ago

I know I don't pass all of these tests. Like, my source distribution, my binary distribution, and my documentation distribution, each have their own independent builds, despite all coming from the same repo.

I'm not as optimistic as you, but I don't have good knowledge of what most shops are doing.

Is it really true that nearly every shop these days fix bugs before writing new code? I thought people still prefer to write new code first, and put of bug fixing for another day.

And have specs before writing any code? I think many people who say they are agile are against this, calling it a "big design up front" which is incompatible with modern software development.

And quiet working conditions - not a bullpen, not cubicles, but "separate offices with walls and doors"? That's not been my experience.

Is it really true that nearly every shop has dedicated testers these days? I thought the move to developer-based tests (TDD, unit tests, etc) resulted in the idea that there's no real need for them.

And lastly, how common is hallway UI testing, and how has that translated to WFH?

The Joel Test: 12 Steps to Better Code (2000)

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