Linked Questions
11 questions linked to/from Getting non-programmers to understand the development process
12
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10
answers
1k
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Why does it seem so hard for non programmers to understand versioning? [duplicate]
In the past I have worked with designers, BAs and project managers, all who regularly produce project artifacts, yet very really do they understand the concept of versioning. When I try to explain it ...
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711
votes
17
answers
250k
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How to respond when you are asked for an estimate?
We, as programmers, are constantly being asked 'How long will it take'?
And you know, the situation is almost always like this:
The requirements are unclear. Nobody has done an in depth analysis of ...
30
votes
23
answers
19k
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What's a good Programming Metaphor? [closed]
I am referring to explaining to the non-programmer what programming is. I made sure to search for similar questions before creating this one, but the few ones I did find seemed to dodge the question, ...
43
votes
18
answers
6k
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How do you share your craft with non programmers? [closed]
Sometimes I feel like a musician who can't play live shows. Programming is a pretty cool skill, and a very broad world, but a lot of it happens "off camera"- in your head, in your office, away from ...
44
votes
14
answers
12k
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How to learn to make better estimates? [closed]
I suck at estimates. When someone asks me how long something will take, I don't even dare to make a guess since I will be completely off the mark. Usually I'm way too optimistic, and should probably ...
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26
votes
9
answers
32k
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Explaining technical things to non-technical people [closed]
I often have to explain technical things and technical decisions to my extremely non technical manager and I'm pretty awful at it. What are good ways to essential dumb things down for the rest of the ...
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42
votes
7
answers
10k
views
How to explain that it's hard to estimate the time required for a bigger software project?
I'm a junior developer and I find it hard to estimate how much time it takes to finish a bigger software project. I know how to structure the architecture in general, but it's hard for me to know what ...
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60
votes
5
answers
5k
views
How to explain to a non-technical person why the task will take much longer than they think? [closed]
Almost every developer has to answer questions from business side like:
Why is going to take 2 days to add this simple contact form?
When a developer estimates this task, they may divide it into ...
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14
votes
9
answers
892
views
How do you explain the source of an identifed problem without making it an "excuse"? [closed]
As practicing (as much as I can at least) "egoless programming", I'm focused on solving problems whoever wrote the code related (if that person don't make dangerous code) and I like to understand the ...
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12
votes
3
answers
494
views
How to educate business managers on the complexity of adding new features? [duplicate]
We maintain a web application for a client who demands that new features be added at a breakneck pace. We've done our best to keep up with their demands, and as a result the code base has grown ...
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4
votes
2
answers
610
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Efficient way to create a code estimation/technical specification in a fast-moving environment
To better understand my question, let me elaborate the background of the subject matter.
I work in a financial institution where the business module (credit finance) is constantly changing. In the IT ...
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