Path: utzoo!attcan!telly!lethe!torsqnt!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hplabs!hpda!hpcuhb!hpcuhe!campbelr From: campbelr@hpcuhe.cup.hp.com (Bob Campbell) Newsgroups: comp.software-eng Subject: Re: Software Quality Message-ID: <45360001@hpcuhe.cup.hp.com> Date: 14 Mar 91 18:18:57 GMT References: Organization: Hewlett Packard, Cupertino Lines: 51 > We do _not_ believe in counting significant source statements and > cyclomatic code analysis, and similar stuff as primary activities for > achieving better software quality. Ahhhh, metrics! As you know, there are many different metrics. Some of them are actually useful. The problem that is usually encountered is that they are put on a chart somewhere and not actually used in the way intended. > Instead, we think that: > > a) Software Quality is primarily achieved through good > management of the development process. Biggest part of it. There is no good excuse for not thinking a project through start to finish. Testing should be discussed whenever functionality is discussed. > b) Successful Quality Management requires motivation > and engagement of the individual and a professional > attitude towards software development. Depends on how you define successful. It is certainly most pleasant when all parties involved act in a professional and interested manner. > c) The hardest task of introducing Quality Management > in a company is the change of peoples' habits, > not the application of new tools and methodologies. Yes. When deadlines raise their ugly head, people drop to the old "tried and true" methods that got them out the door on time in the past. A part of this is that the QA function often becomes an adversarial role rather than a team member. > What do YOU think about Software Quality issues? Can anyone confirm > or dispute any of these statements? What literature would you > recommend in this area? Read everything. Then visit "The real world" and find out what has been found to be useful. There have been times when a pundit will give a talk with a panel of disciples present. When questioned, it becomes apparent that the panel only uses the parts that they like while the pundit claims it is part of an integrated whole. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bob Campbell Some times I wish that I could stop you from campbelr@hpda.cup.hp.com talking, when I hear the silly things you say. Hewlett Packard - Elvis Costello