I like this one - and remember it every time I try to pay up for a good programmer. One also has to wonder how much it's that poor programmers are overpaid.
P2. Good programmers are up to 30 times better than mediocre programmers, according to “individual differences” research. Given that their pay is never commensurate, they are the biggest bargains in the software field.
Much of the list stands the test of time, though it's very clear that his thinking predates Agile. Most old school software engineering experts talk of the need to tighten up unstable design. Modern thinking is to create processes that better react to the instability.
It's hard to differentiate Just Good Enough from Almost Good Enough in a 10 week internship. :-)
The 30x ones usually have a professional reputation that preceeds them - you know before the interview starts, and spend the hour or two selling them. They don't send resumes out. You either have to build people into them, or go hunting once you hear that their companies are struggling. (Or if you hear they are being mistreated)
P2. Good programmers are up to 30 times better than mediocre programmers, according to “individual differences” research. Given that their pay is never commensurate, they are the biggest bargains in the software field.
Much of the list stands the test of time, though it's very clear that his thinking predates Agile. Most old school software engineering experts talk of the need to tighten up unstable design. Modern thinking is to create processes that better react to the instability.