Xp Multi Verse

We are a team of 8 java developers creating a toolkit for deploying "ESims" - java applets that provide truly interactive content within the context of an eLearning course.

Now we are on to our fourth iteration and, although still definitely finding our feet, I believe we are deriving benefit from XP. Certainly in terms of visibility of the plan, and I believe also in productivity.

Problems we have encountered;

• Adapting to PairProgramming
  • Doesn't suit all personalities - has anyone else had difficulties here?
• Convincing people to test before/during coding
  • I think in the momentum gathered by applying XP it can appear cumbersome to introduce test classes at the start of coding. However, personally, I feel that the XP approach to testing is the absolute barest minimum that any project can get away with. I like the fact that, using JUnit, it's easy to run all the tests but I'm not convinced the quality of the tests is all it could be.
• Quantifying any benefits derived from the test/code approach

Benefits we have observed;

• I do believe knowledge of the system is being more evenly distributed.
• Short iterations are definitely providing better control of the plan.

Room for improvements;

• For us the notion of a customer really means our internal support team - ie users of our product. I don't feel we're obtaining the true XP customer role yet.

 ***STOP PRESS ***

Multiverse is no more - it is an XXP (ex-XP) project. Although XP seemed to be working for us (not all the team will agree with this - some HATED it) the company didn't have the customer base and I'm afraid the receivers have been called in. Doh!

As far as XP goes we managed several iterations and three releases. My own experience with XP was a positive one and I hope other companies start to take this approach on board. I was involved with planning the releases/iterations and also worked in an XpPair?. I found both aspects enjoyable and productive and I think I'll find it a bit disappointing if I have to go back to the old "high-ceremony" processes now.

Anyone out there looking for eXtremeProgrammers!!?

-- LeoFriel

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More information on us at http://www.multiverse.co.uk

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