Xref: utzoo comp.object:3414 comp.software-eng:5489 Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!spool.mu.edu!uunet!abvax!iccgcc!kambic From: kambic@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com (George X. Kambic, Allen-Bradley Inc.) Newsgroups: comp.object,comp.software-eng Subject: Re: Documenting OO Systems Message-ID: <4423.281d3223@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com> Date: 30 Apr 91 14:00:18 GMT Article-I.D.: iccgcc.4423.281d3223 References: <1991Apr17.175106.5581@hilbert.uucp> <4365.2816ec94@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com> <1991Apr27.231303.14133@hilbert.uucp> Lines: 32 In article <1991Apr27.231303.14133@hilbert.uucp>, jeff@hilbert.uucp (Jeff Freedman) writes: > In article <4365.2816ec94@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com> kambic@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com (George X. Kambic, Allen-Bradley Inc.) writes: > Much software also has critics and users with opinions. And novels do have > to meet some requirements, such as decent grammar and coherency. Perhaps > we're arguing from different ends of the industry. I would probably agree > that the embedded software controlling an anti-lock braking system is closer > to "engineering", while a fantasy roll-playing game is closer to "art". Maybe we are, but without being too far apart I think. Novels and bridges do not appear to be adequate models to explore these issues. Since I have spent a lot of time testing software, I am very concerned about its robustness and error tolerance under any circumstances. I want that sucker to work and be easily repairable in the maintenance life cycle. BUT, it must have the quality factors of usability, etc., that make customers salivate when it is demonstrated to them so they buy right then and there. Fundamentally the process is a continuum wherein each person involved in the creation must respect the opinion of others who are also involved. Each segment, marketing, sales, engineering, is fundamentallu responsible for measuring their part of the process and improving it. This includes, if you will, "artistic" influences that may form the external appearance of the HMI. A word appeared recently in another context that is applicable, and that word is discipline. There are many disciplines required of us to properly manufacture software. There is no one sole source of knowledge or ideas for making the product better. Also, self discipline is required; that discipline that makes each one of us do the finest work possible, measure its quality, self criticize it, and start again. GXKambic No time to think up a stunning disclaimer