The SquizLog

Anticipating "Weinberg on Writing"

It's a little ironic. I've been hesitating about how to start this post. Why is it ironic? Because I felt the need to say something about a book called "Weinberg on Writing"!

Earlier today I noticed Mark Watson's post about how useful Weinberg's books "The Pyschology of Computer Programming" and "The Secrets of Consulting" have been to him. Agreed. I have both and it's probably time I dipped into them again.

A few web clicks later I discovered that Jerry is now writing fiction and has realised that much of the success of his computing books has come from his story telling. Also, as the result of reflecting on his career as a writer he has more recently been helping other writers by passing on lessons from his own experience.

Readers of this blog may recall that I have referred favourably to Jerry Weinberg and his writing in the past. Like Mark, I value the view that focuses on people and communication ahead of technology.

Anyway, back to my original point. All I want to say about "Weinberg on Writing" is that I'm very keen to read it. I promise I'll review it when I have.

Perhaps I've Shrunk?

That's one logically possible conclusion, I guess. Whichever way I look at it, the fact is my son is now taller than me!

Oh well, at least he still can't beat me at chess and he wouldn't know a computer program if it bit him on the proverbial backside.

Re: Kevin Barnes on Software Processes

Over the years a plethora of serious words and diagrams have been devoted to the subject of software processes. However, when I compare them to what has actually happened in software organisations in which I have worked, the process descriptions may as well have been works of fiction.

So I found Kevin Barnes' light-hearted article refreshing. As the following quotes show, he doesn't spare old or new approaches:

"Managers like the waterfall model for the same reasons that tourists like real waterfalls, they are simple and powerful and beautiful to look at. They are much less fun when you go down one."

"You may be tempted to believe that the added efficiency of agile processes may help eliminate the coding logjam by increasing the focus on bug fixing and increasing the chances that badly designed components will get reworked. Of course you may also be tempted to believe you can fly if you’ve just taken a hit of PCP, but that won’t keep you from falling 20 stories to your death."

As Kevin notes, he felt like having a bit of fun. He certainly made me laugh. To me the serious take-away message is to think about the context of the software being developed and encourage an appropriate process to grow.

And to remember that if one is going to make a living out of developing software a sense of humour is very helpful!

The Last Rites

"And that should ensure that those here today get a long afternoon to explore the city's attractions."

Those words from the Cricinfo commentator, as McGrath claimed Pietersen caught behind to send England plummeting to 6/114, signalled the last rites in this Ashes clean sweep.

Indeed, it would seem that I'll have to be quick in completing this blog entry - Symonds has just run Panesar out for a duck! So much for Monty's promotion to number 7 last night. Three wickets remaining, England are only 12 ahead. It can't last much longer.

Thanks to the generosity of a friend of mine who works for Cricket Australia, my son and I were able to spend yesterday at the Test. And it turned out to be a very absorbing day's cricket.

When Hussey fell early to leave Australia at 5 for 190, the scoreboard may have led one to believe that the match was evenly poised. However, Australia's tail has considerably more flair and fight than England's. Exit Hussey, enter Gilchrist who batted beautifully before being strangely adjudged caught behind by Billy Bowden for 62. Gilly clearly missed the ball and as someone in the crowd yelled, "Gilly walks when he's out!"

The match winning innings was that of Shane Keith Warne (71). He signalled his intention to dominate the bowling by hitting the first two balls he faced, from Panesar, for four and six! After Gilchrist's unlucky departure, Stuart Clark gave Warne wonderful - if unorthodox - support so that Australia were finally able to post a lead of 102. So their last five wickets added 203!

Hang on, another one's gone - Read caught in the slips by Ponting off Lee. That's 8/122 now.

Back to yesterday's play...

Nine now! Mahmood bowled McGrath!! 9/123. I guess I've still got the ten minutes for the change of innings before the Aussies knock off the meagre target.

Now, where was I? Oh yes, the start of England's innings yesterday. It was good to see Lee back in wicket-taking form. The Stuart Clark show kept rolling along - Australia are going to be very well served by him over the next few years. I thought Ponting's field placements towards the end of the day were excellent. Crucially, his bowlers were able to bowl to them and made it very difficult for the English batsmen to score singles. A superb lesson in building pressure. What a contrast to England's field placements earlier in the day!

And, finally, what a wonderful finish to the day. Flintoff stumped Gilchrist bowled Warne. I've been fortunate enough to see Warne take many wickets at the SCG over the years and it was a delight to see him weave his magic one last time.