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.
- Do you use source control?
- Can you make a build in one step?
- Do you make daily builds?
- Do you have a bug database?
- Do you fix bugs before writing new code?
- Do you have an up-to-date schedule?
- Do you have a spec?
- Do programmers have quiet working conditions?
- Do you use the best tools money can buy?
- Do you have testers?
- Do new candidates write code during their interview?
- 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 🙂
