National Security Secret
#142. The most challenging aspect of software development is adding new functionality or features.
Related secrets: #125 #128 #137 #141
Bringing new developers "up to speed" or learning existing code can be painful. With turnover common it's a neverending cycle.
Just as new developers become familiar with a code base their off to something more interesting or rewarding.
We're not bothering to bring bugs into the conversation. Making changes at any level risks introducing them and utter chaos.
Why not take the approach:
"Any change to the user interface or redesign means an entirely new instance of the application or service."
Users can then stay with a version they're happy with. They also don't need to keep relearning something against their will.
Developers can enjoy starting from scratch (if it's deemed worthwhile) instead of dealing with the inevitable spaghetti that piles up over time.
How much does it really cost to host that old version of whatever when a bug fix or two is the most work done to it?
Then there's having previous versions available for testing and QA. Are you using automation to compare the output between the last version and the fancy new version as a "tie out"?
Let the previous version of something tell you if the new version is working correctly.
Google, Microsoft, and every other software developer...
This is directed at you.
More information will be provided.
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