Does Anvil pass the Joel Test?
Ever heard of the Joel Test?
It's a simple test to measure how well a software team performs. It takes less than 3 minutes to complete, because its a simple yes/no answer test to twelve questions:
- 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?
So for fun, I thought I would take the test.
Do you use source control?
Yes. Anvil's source code is maintained in a Subversion source code repository. Some of my previous posts included screencasts where you see Subversion in action (indrectly).
Can you make a build in one step?
Yes. We use Automated Build Studio. I blogged about that earlier today.
Do you make daily builds?
Yes. See above.
Do you have a bug database?
Yes. We use FogBugz. I blogged about how we track defects earlier this month.
Do you fix bugs before writing new code?
Yes. Although everything is new code right now. :)
Do you have an up-to-date schedule?
Yes. I use a mindmap to track requirements and project plans. I blogged a bit about how I use mindmapping for project planning.
Do you have a spec?
Yes. Sort of. Although we don't use spec docs like Joel defines it, I screencasted how we use functionality mindmaps , technology mindmaps and threat models.
Do programmers have quiet working conditions?
Yep. I telecommute quite a bit myself and use a lot of quiet space in my home, including a full home office. Most of Anvil was written on my back deck this summer, while I listened to the rustling leaves of the huge trees in my backyard in British Columbia, Canada.
Do you use the best tools money can buy?
Yes, I believe so. There is a list on the right side of this blog.
Do you have testers?
Yes. And we use automated functionality testing with the use of TestComplete.
Do new candidates write code during their interview?
Yes. Although I didn't hire anyone for this project yet. Remember... it was supposed to be just me.
Do you do hallway usability testing?
Yes. Although to be honest I don't pick people out of the hall. Two days ago I had the gardener try the Anvil Manager. Yesterday I had my wife try it. Today it was a potential customer. I will have a few more people check it out before I ship a public beta.
So there you have it. Looks like I pass the Joel Test with an A+. If you work with software in your business, take the test yourself and see how you do. And make sure you read Joel's article on the subject.