Session: Why testing is hard, estimating impossible, and we all feel like frauds sometimes
“You’re the only developer I’ve worked with who can almost always give accurate estimates.”
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard that. So what’s my trick? Do I better understand the problems? Am I better at predicting what could go wrong? Do I multiply by 4?
No. In fact, I don’t even deserve that praise – my estimates are as off as anyone’s. And while similarly praised for my passion and skill for testing, I often advocate for fewer tests, rather than more – and still find writing them difficult.
Which brings me to the alternate title for this talk: How to get compliments you don’t deserve. Programming is complicated and hard. I don’t know how to make it easy. But I do have a few secrets for making bosses, colleagues, and clients happier with my work than it seems they really should be – and very importantly, without lying, blaming, or stealing credit.
Ready to hear them?
