Today I discovered Joel test, a test to evaluate software companies. While the article is pretty out-of-date, and there are some points that are exclusively for companies working on compiled programming languages, the article is still very interesting.
I think every software company should took the test. Also I think it can be useful for programmers, to evaluate if a company is a good place to work.
The original article is at:
http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/fog0000000043.html
Let me provide a summary of original questions here:
- 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 a 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?
My personal update to the questions would be:
- Do you use a distributed source control system? Do you use a bug database where users can report bugs directly? Do you have a testing protocol, and specific resources for testing? Do you fix bugs before implementing new features? Do you have automated build or deployment procedures? Do you have a roadmap, and you don't make important changes to the short term priorities? Does your team work in good conditions (quiet environment, flexible schedule, freedom to choose development software, fair paycheck...)
I think those questions can give you an idea on how efficient your company is, and indirectly, about the quality of your software.