Software Development Patterns and Antipatterns

Software development has been a troubling since it first started. There are seven chronic problems that have plagued it from the beginning: Incomplete and ambiguous user requirements that grow by >2% per month. Major cost and schedule overruns for large applications > 35% higher than planned. Low defect removal efficiency (DRE) Cancelled projects that are not completed: > 30% above 10,000 function points. Poor quality and low reliability after the software is delivered: > 5 bugs per FP. Breach of contract litigation against software outsource vendors. Expensive maintenance and enhancement costs after delivery. These are endemic problems for software executives, software engineers, and software customers, but they are not insurmountable. In Software Development Patterns and Antipatterns, software engineering and metrics pioneer Capers Jones presents technical solutions for all seven.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 492 pages
Publication date: 27 August 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Software development has been a challenging and complex process since its inception. Throughout its history, software development has faced numerous chronic problems that have hindered its progress and success. These problems have persisted and continue to be a source of concern for software executives, engineers, and customers alike. In this article, we will explore seven of the most prevalent chronic problems in software development and provide technical solutions to address them.

Incomplete and Ambiguous User Requirements:
One of the most significant challenges in software development is the incomplete and ambiguous nature of user requirements. User requirements are the specifications and expectations that users have for a software system. However, often these requirements are not fully articulated, leading to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and delays in the development process. As user requirements evolve and change over time, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage and maintain the software system. This problem is exacerbated by the fact that user requirements can grow by more than 2% per month, making it challenging to keep up with the pace of development.

Major Cost and Schedule Overruns for Large Applications:
Another chronic problem in software development is the significant cost and schedule overruns for large applications. Large applications typically involve complex systems, extensive functionality, and a large number of stakeholders. As a result, they require a significant investment of time, resources, and money. However, often these projects exceed their planned budgets and schedules, leading to financial losses, missed deadlines, and dissatisfied customers.

Low Defect Removal Efficiency (DRE):
DRE refers to the percentage of defects that are identified and fixed before the software is delivered to the customer. A low DRE can have a significant impact on the quality and reliability of the software. It can lead to customer dissatisfaction, reduced productivity, and increased maintenance costs. Inadequate testing, poor quality assurance practices, and a lack of collaboration among team members are some of the factors that contribute to low DRE.

Cancelled Projects that are Not Completed:
Cancelled projects that are not completed represent a significant loss of resources and time for software development organizations. It can be attributed to various factors, such as poor project management, inadequate planning, and unrealistic expectations. Cancelled projects can have a negative impact on the reputation of software development companies and can lead to lost opportunities for revenue and growth.

Poor Quality and Low Reliability after the Software is Delivered:
After the software is delivered to the customer, it is important to ensure that it meets the expected quality and reliability standards. However, often software systems experience poor quality and low reliability, leading to customer dissatisfaction, reduced productivity, and increased maintenance costs. This problem can be attributed to various factors, such as inadequate testing, poor design, and a lack of attention to detail.

Breach of Contract Litigation against Software Outsource Vendors:
Software outsourcing has become a popular trend in recent years, as companies seek to reduce costs and increase efficiency. However, it has also led to a rise in breach of contract litigation against software outsource vendors. Companies may experience delays, poor quality, and other issues with the software developed by outsource vendors, leading to legal disputes.

Expensive Maintenance and Enhancement Costs after Delivery:
After the software is delivered, it is important to ensure that it is maintained and enhanced to meet the changing needs of the customer. However, often software systems require expensive maintenance and enhancement costs, which can be a significant burden for software development organizations. This problem can be attributed to various factors, such as poor design, lack of documentation, and a lack of scalability.

Despite these challenges, software development is not an insurmountable problem. There are various technical solutions available that can help address these chronic problems and lead to effective software development practices. In Software Development Patterns and Antipatterns, software engineering and metrics pioneer Capers Jones presents technical solutions for all seven of these chronic problems. The solutions involve moving from harmful patterns of software development to effective patterns of software development.

The first section of the book examines common software development problems that have been observed in many companies and government agencies. The data on the problems comes from consulting studies, breach of contract lawsuits, and the literature on major software failures. This section considers the factors involved with cost overruns, schedule delays, canceled projects, poor quality, and expensive maintenance after deployment.

The second section shows patterns that lead to software success. The data comes from actual companies. The sections first chapter on Corporate Software Risk Reduction in a Fortune 500 company was based on a major telecom company whose CEO was troubled by repeated software failures. The other chapters in this section deal with.

In conclusion, software development has been plagued by numerous chronic problems throughout its history. These problems have hindered its progress and success, but they are not insurmountable. By adopting effective software development practices and implementing technical solutions, software development organizations can overcome these challenges and deliver high-quality software systems that meet the needs of their customers.

Weight: 790g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032017228