Notes:
I've been developing software since my school days – which were a long time ago.
I'm probably best known in the ACCU for my writing about neat C++ techniques – or for being the committee chairman. But I have turned my hand to most activities to do with software development.
I've seen a lot of mistaken ideas about how to develop software tried (often in the face of the evidence of past failures).
Problems can arise at a lot of levels: the use or choice of development tools, lack of appropriate development skills and lack of support from the organisation.
A theme that runs through many of these difficulties is failure of communication.
Please feel free to practice your communication during this talk – if you have a questions or comments that relate to the material I want to hear them, and so does everyone else here.