The Mythical Man-Month Ch 4-6

Reference Information

Title: The Mythical Man-Month

Author: Frederick P. Brooks

Publisher: Addison-Wesley

Summary
Chapter 4 discussed aristocracy, democracy, and system design, and how those principles apply to development of a programming product. The idea of conceptual integrity was approached, insisting that only one set of design ideas be followed as opposed to a mesh of many ideas. However, it dictates that design must proceed from only a small set of minds, rather than a democracy. Pressures of schedule leaves programmers waiting while a small set of designers hurriedly put something together. It is suggested that the creative phases (architecture, implementation, and realization) can actually be done in parallel.

Chapter 5 discussed the Second-System Effect, otherwise known as a designer's tendency to put all of the flairs and features thought up while working on the first system into the second system he builds, making it a very bad design. Because of this, one should always be aware of the flaws of the second system, and be careful to not put too many unnecessary features into it.

A victim of the second-system effect.
Source: myninjaplease.com

Chapter 6 discussed communication, and how the manager ensures that everyone is kept up-to-date. To do this, there are written specifications, formal definitions, direct incorporation, and conferences that require all high-level personnel to meet and discuss problems and solutions. A telephone log is suggested for logging questions and answers, and product testing is recommended for checking the programs against specifications.


Discussion
These chapters brought up some very good points, including the need for communication and good design. I particularly liked the description of the second system effect, as I was unaware of it. It does make a lot of sense, though. I think that many of these suggestions should be applied to our current and future projects, such as continuous design, frequent communication and specifications, and being wary of the second system effect.