Had some inspiration for commuting software development ideas to real life development. This is an incomplete list and hopefully will fill out later.
Iterative Development
Make fast small changes
Documentation
Keep regular records of the things that happen to you so you can source them later
Testing and Quality Assurance
This one is a bit more vague. Have tangible and measurable goals that can fail to keep you on track? Have others examine your outcomes to help keep you on track.
Don’t Repeat Yourself
Write things regularly and keep well written thoughts centrally located so you can easily share them with people. It is a faster and more elegant way of building a reputation and sharing yourself with others. Then when you are in person, you can skip the beginning formalities. You’re free to discuss the really interesting stuff after the foundation is laid.
Caching
Caching a system is for easy access of things you constantly need access to. I think the metaphor here would be to build great systems around you that work in your favor. For example, keeping a closet clean takes some maintenance but helps when you need it most.
Unix Philosophy – Do one thing and do it well
Multitasking is a myth [citation needed]. Energies should be focused on doing on thing at a time, as efficiently, fast and well as possible. Concentrate on one action at a time before moving on to the next.
Shut down background processes
Get rid of any wanted thoughts and items that bog down your system. If it isn’t helping your goals it is hurting you. You have a finite amount of time, use it well. Not just well, use it perfectly.
Fork Processes and Delegate
Somethings activities can be split or out-sourced. Look to car pool, share meals, or split efforts to create synergistic wins and other BS stuff like that.
File Permissions
This one is a stretch. Be a more open person, be a more accessible person by being available to those around you. If you are too stringent on the things closest to you, you may find people are not able to access you.
Version Control
Look up that other blog post
Branch
Take other good ideas and make them your own. When you develop them, make them available to others again.
Be Appropriately Verbose
Communicating ideas is hard, it helps to be more explicit. Use additional comments when necessary, but look to strike a balance.
Stand ups
Regular meetings with important people in your life to talk about important things. No bullshit. Stay task orientated and focused. Use other time to talk about other things.
[…] Software Ideas for Real Life Development […]