Making software deployable instead of configurable Making software configurable can be a sign of a problem when developing custom software. By configurable, I’m referring to the process of making the configuration of a software system changeable. Especially, making the behavior of the system changeable by users and/or administrators in an attempt to anticipate future needs or to circumvent change management…
Month: November 2014
There’s plenty of time in 40 hours to invest in learning on the job
The idea that individuals should invest their own time in learning, and should be expected to work 40+ hours a week is too prevalent. And so are the results, or lack thereof: Employees are mentally sapped from long work weeks, learning isn’t productive. Learning is inconsistent. Individuals with a passion for learning will learn. Others that don’t have a passion…
Workshop: Improving Software Development through Automation with TeamCity, December 8th and 9th, 2014
Next month I’m hosting a hands on workshop. If you’re interested in improving software development with automation you’ll have the opportunity to invest in actual improvements during the workshop. Details here: Workshop: Improving Software Development through Automation with TeamCity, December 8th and 9th, 2014.
Database “code” distinction
When considering how to improve dealing with changes to your database when releasing software, one simple distinction can help clear up a lot of confusion. There are two broad categories of things that change in a database. There are tables that contain data for your application. Unlike application code, these can’t be dropped and recreated each time you release. At…
What database schema comparisons can accomplish
When you wait until the last minute to deal with database changes, schema comparison is one of the tools necessary to reverse engineer what changed in your database. A schema comparison helps identify what changed about the structure of the database. For example, a table was added or a column was removed. Schema comparison doesn’t focus on what may or…
The consequences of waiting until the last minute to deal with the database
One common technique for managing database changes when releasing software is to establish a development database in addition to a production database. The development database is often a copy of production from some point in the past and serves as a point of experimentation for changes. Whether there’s one developer or many, this database becomes the record of truth for…
Mental reset
When you’re engaged in learning, you’re actively cramming information into your short term memory. Whether you intend to or not. As you study you build mental models and understandings of what you’re exposing yourself to. You use this to build relationships and hopefully to align what you’re learning with what you’re trying to accomplish. As you move from study to…