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Tidy First? by Kent Beck "Software design is an exercise in human relationships. You have to change some ugly code. Should you tidy it first before you change it? Reflected in this simple, daily-repeated question are all the elements of software design: coupling/cohesion, economics, psychology, and sociology." __________ In 45 years of programming, Kent hasn't been satisfied for more than a day at a time. Not with the tools, the techniques, the outcomes, and most of all not with his own understanding. These days he works at Gusto, the small business payroll and benefits provider.
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In the talk 'Tidy First?' presented at RailsConf 2020, Kent Beck explores the intricate relationship between human dynamics and software design. Beck emphasizes that software design is fundamentally an exercise in human relationships, significantly influenced by the roles of those who use the software—termed 'waiters'—and those who can implement changes, known as 'changers.' The relationship between these two groups is marked by divergent incentives and needs, which can complicate the software development process. Key points from Beck's presentation include: - **Human Relationships in Software Design**: Beck asserts that the essence of software design challenges are often rooted in interpersonal dynamics rather than purely technical issues. - **Waiters vs. Changers**: He identifies two primary groups: 'waiters,' who desire changes but cannot make them, and 'changers,' who have the ability to make these changes. This distinction highlights the importance of maintaining open communication and understanding between both parties to facilitate smoother development processes. - **Incentive Divergence**: Beck discusses how the incentives of waiters and changers can differ significantly—a situation that may lead to frustration and inefficiencies if not managed well. - **Second Set of Relationships Among Changers**: He also addresses relationships among changers, emphasizing the need for collaboration when a change in behavior affects others' work, particularly when changes can break existing APIs. - **Four Stages of Software Design Enlightenment**: Beck outlines a progression in understanding software design, beginning with basic change implementation, moving to distinguishing between structural and behavioral changes, and culminating in strategic planning for changes that precede or follow subsequent tasks. - **Experiment with Pull Requests**: To improve relationships and workflows, he recommends breaking changes down into small, manageable pull requests that either address behavior or structure, rather than mixing the two. This practice not only enhances clarity but also helps maintain system integrity and team collaboration. Beck concludes by reiterating that while technical skills are valuable, they must be complemented by strong interpersonal skills to navigate the complexities of software design effectively. By consciously managing these human relationships, developers can create more efficient and enjoyable software design processes, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
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