That new project smell

There's just something about it.

Published on November 17, 2005 By Chaos Manager In Blogging

*SSSSSNNNNNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF*

eww... I guess it's time to put my shoes back on.

I've been a computer programmer/developer for (officially ... 6 years now - unofficially ... it's going on 24) awhile. I've come in on projects that are in it's death throws (aka Maintenance mode) and I've been on projects that, while already going, are still in the middle of an series of active development cycles.

I've enjoyed both of these environments. They both make you learn quickly and pay attention. They also make you suffer for the mistakes of others (the maintenance environment even more so).

I've recently started a new project. And I do mean NEW. It's even still got that new project smell to it.

When I joined it, the project was about 3 weeks into the initial specifcation cycle. So, we get to design it from the ground up. Other than small, utility type applications, this is the first serious project that I've been on (with this company) where I'm starting at this point in the development cycle.

And I must say, I'm enjoying it.

Oh, well. Time to finish my sandwich, study some more C#, and then get into bed. The drive to Hampton starts at O'dark 30.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Nov 18, 2005

I have built many programs from scratch. It is fun! But I hated the documentation! That was no fun, but necessary. Now, I just build Networks. Less coding, and less Documentation.

Zoomba

on Nov 18, 2005

The New projects are the best. I've been tossed into several projects this year that were at least half-way to completion, with no documentation, and where the previous subject matter expert had quit with no notice. And they expect me to just *know* everything on day one. It's no fun at all

I've got one project right now that's all me. I got handed it at the start, I've been the lead on it throughout and now we're within weeks of rolling out a pilot to a limited number of users. It rocks to know something *I* did is about to become a key piece of our international infrastructure

New projects let you learn everything as it's being done... none of this catch-up crap because you were added 2 days before the "go-live" date and they expect you to support it in production. You also have control in new projects to shape it in the direction you like. Old projects have everything already decided.

New Projects = Fun

Chaos Manager

on Nov 18, 2005

Zoomba:

You also have control in new projects to shape it in the direction you like.

That's the part that I'm liking the most.

The other types are interesting, and you do end up learning alot (if you do it right), but like you said, they can be VERY annoying.

New Projects = Fun

Too true.

Dr. Guy:

Now, I just build Networks.

Wimp.

Couldn't hack a real job, huh?

Dr Guy

on Nov 18, 2005

Wimp. Couldn't hack a real job, huh?

Oh, sorry CM. Your documentation just disappeared from the network shares.

Chaos Manager

on Nov 18, 2005

Oh, sorry CM. Your documentation just disappeared from the network shares.

Oh, then I'll just put them back LOCALLY from the backup (on CD, natch) that I did last night before I left.

I've learned to never trust the backups done by the Admins ...

I do follow the BofH.

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