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Questions and Answers
What is the concept referred to as 'start-up fatigue'?
What is the concept referred to as 'start-up fatigue'?
What is the main idea behind the 'stone soup story'?
What is the main idea behind the 'stone soup story'?
What is the outcome of focusing too tightly on a project?
What is the outcome of focusing too tightly on a project?
What is the main cause of project overruns and software disasters?
What is the main cause of project overruns and software disasters?
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What is the importance of remembering the big picture?
What is the importance of remembering the big picture?
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What is the purpose of Tip 5: Be a Catalyst for Change?
What is the purpose of Tip 5: Be a Catalyst for Change?
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What is the metaphor of the frog in boiling water?
What is the metaphor of the frog in boiling water?
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What is the outcome of systems drifting away from their original specifications?
What is the outcome of systems drifting away from their original specifications?
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What is the main idea behind the 'villagers' side' of the stone soup story?
What is the main idea behind the 'villagers' side' of the stone soup story?
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What is the purpose of Tip 6: Remember the Big Picture?
What is the purpose of Tip 6: Remember the Big Picture?
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Study Notes
Pragmatic Philosophy
- The book is prepared exclusively for Zach and is a pragmatic approach to software development.
- The authors believe that there are no easy answers or best solutions, only appropriate systems in particular circumstances.
Importance of Pragmatism
- Pragmatism involves having a broad background and experience base to choose good solutions in particular situations.
- It combines theory and practice to make strong programmers who adjust their approach to suit the current circumstances.
Who Should Read This Book?
- The book is aimed at people who want to become more effective and productive programmers.
- It is for those who want to overcome feelings of frustration and achieve their potential.
Jargon Words
- Jargon words are used throughout the book, and their meanings are defined or hinted at when they are first used.
- Readers are encouraged to look up unfamiliar terms and contact the authors if they are not defined.
Revenge Against Computer Scientists
- The authors have decided to ignore some jargon words and use more common language instead.
- This is to get revenge against computer scientists who have corrupted good English words to mean technical things.
Software Entropy
- Software entropy refers to the deterioration of systems over time, often due to neglect.
- It is accelerated by factors such as the accumulation of broken windows (badly designed code or poor management decisions).
Examples of Software Entropy
- The story of the rich acquaintance whose house was saved from a fire, but the firefighters took the time to roll out a mat to protect the carpet, illustrates the importance of maintaining clean and functional systems.
- The analogy of a broken window in a project starting a decline is used to emphasize the need to fix problems early on.
Catalyst for Change
- Being a catalyst for change involves working out what you can reasonably ask for, developing it well, and showing people to get them to rally around.
- It involves pretending that what you want is not important and waiting for others to start asking for it.
The Villagers' Side
- The stone soup story is also about gentle and gradual deception, focusing too tightly, and forgetting about the rest of the world.
- It warns against the accumulation of small things that can break morale and teams.
Remember the Big Picture
- The story of the frog in boiling water illustrates the danger of small, incremental changes that can lead to big problems.
- It emphasizes the importance of remembering the big picture and not letting small things creep up on us.
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Description
A preview of a book, including dedications to family members and a table of contents.
