Presentation: Helping Developers to Help Each Other
Abstract
If you have ever asked yourself the question "Why did they do THAT!?" when wrestling with a developer’s work, this presentation is for you.
My doctoral research does not answer it, but it does refine the question; I have built a definition of what “THAT!” is by interviewing software developers with a total of more than 400 years of industry experience between them. In my presentation, I will share the common themes that emerged: what experienced developers said about the day to day decisions made by their peers and how these make the job harder or easier.
These findings catalogue what constitutes “good practice” from the unique perspective of how it affects peers’ progress in their own tasks. But by itself, this catalogue does not change developer practice. In pursuit of improving developer experience, I have tested a workshop format that draws on the collective experience of the interviewees to help teams step back and reflect on their practice in a safe and encouraging environment. I will be explaining what these experimental workshops involved, why developers liked them and the potential the materials could have for other applications.
Acknowledgement: My research would not have been possible without the generous help of my participants. My heartfelt thanks to all the software developers who volunteered to take part and the companies who allowed them to do so. I hope you all benefited from the experience.
