Rant time.

What the hell is wrong with our job as developers? Why do we get into problems at the end of every development project? In 99.9999% cases deadlines are crossed, even though you've tried and tried to change the way we do things because we were so absolutely sure that we "wouldn't do it next time".

Let me get the word out. It is not our fault. It isn't.

Everytime we invent some new stuff to cut development times like compilers, syntax highlighting, object-orientend programming, source control systems, daily builds, test-driven development, automated test scripts, huge component libraries, peer programming, open source communities, review systems, software factories, etc. etc. (just to name a few), some pointy-haired-boss walks in the room and tells us "He wants it yesterday" without even listening to our slightly reasonable remarks like "We talked about it, and we all agree that this is not possible within the given timeframe, whatever quantity of resources you whip up".

Higher management, lower management, planning comitees, end user discussion groups have the last word. At least we developers have invented stuff (and it is a lot of stuff) that actually improves our product life cycle. And the reason this lifecycle improves, is because people of the previously mentioned groups are so horribly good in changing the specs right under our noses, and tell use that they "Need it finished next monday". Don't they know it is freaking friday afternoon (6.30 PM)? Apparently they don't. And if they do, they'll find something else to make it our problem.

So what do we do? We get coding. We get coding quick. Because if we 'save the project' we'll probably be rewarded for it. Maybe even get a bonus for delivering on time. Get an extra personal day. We finally receive those bigger harddrives and those tools we've been asking about for months. So we get coding. And we succeed. And next time? Next time, we won't make that mistake.

I wish it were true.

For people who'll want to know where I'll be spending my holiday for the next two weeks, click here.