The Joel Test determines the quality/maturity of your software development process. You can think of it as the poor man’s CMMI.  Answer the following questions. Give yourself 1 point for each correct answer. In general, you should strive for 10-12 points.

  1. Do you use source control?
  2. Can you make a build in one step?
  3. Do you make daily builds?
  4. Do you have a bug database?
  5. Do you fix bugs before writing new code?
  6. Do you have an up-to-date schedule?
  7. Do you have a spec?
  8. Do programmers have quiet working conditions?
  9. Do you use the best tools money can buy?
  10. Do you have testers?
  11. Do new candidates write code during their interview?
  12. Do you do hallway usability testing?

This all sounds good. We’re all doing this … right???? 🙂

Other Applications

How else can you apply this test? You can ask these same questions when interviewing for a new assignment / job. This will give you a good feel for what you are walking into (ie is this a hornet’s nest?). From there, you can decide if you want to be the hero and save the day. Or turn and run as fast as you can 🙂