Software inspections and pair programming


by Deepraj - Date: 2007-08-22 - Word Count: 458 Share This!

Software inspections

Inspection in simple words means examine and when we speak of Software inspections it means

an extra-ordinary technique which is used to identify errors in a program. The concept of

software inspection can be dated back to 1970 and it has proven to be a time tested

technique which has yielded unparallel results. Computer program(s) can have numerous types

of errors ranging from very simple to complex. Errors like redundant logic, unused

variables, unlatching comments, incorrect Boolean tests, and much more can be detected

before the product is marketed only through software

inspections.

Using software inspections has its own advantages and I would say that the famous saying "A

stitch in time saves nine" goes perfectly with software inspection. There have been surveys

which proven that the cost of correcting errors is much less when detected early as

compared to the cost when the errors are detected at a later stage. The basic idea of using

software inspection is to deliver superior quality products. Software inspections have now

become a vital part of software development. But then the crux of the success lies in the

proper application of the techniques of software inspection. The inspection team members

may it be a Moderator, an Author, a Reader, a Recorder or an Inspector needs to work in

coordination and perform the special task assigned to give the top results. It is

imperative that the all software inspections are planned and performed in an orderly

manner. The guiding principle should be to let us find the defect and not the customer. In

a nut shell Software inspection provide value in improving software consistency,

accessibility and maintainability.

Pair Programming

Pair programming truly implies the literal meaning of "Pair". It's simple! Isn't it. Yes!

it means two programmers, one known as driver and the other as the navigator work side by

side to develop a software. Pair programming has

its own pros and cons. The advantages tagged with Pair programming is that it increases

design quality, dwindles the error chances, increases discipline, helps in knowledge

sharing, helps creating better solutions and above all it creates and atmosphere of healthy

competition amongst the workers each want to excel. It is true to say that two programmers

are bound to give more than twice as productive as one for a given task.

Pair programming has its own disadvantages, personality conflicts being the most common

one. It becomes very difficult to compare the performance of individuals. It is a

"Herculean" task to rope in an experienced developer with a less experienced one, the

senior one could impose "Do it my way or get out". Another major drawback is to synchronize

the two different programming styles of the two programmers put to work under pair programming.

Related Tags: software development, offshore software development, custom software development, outsourcing software development, software development company

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