At NIVID, we have adopted Intense Programming (IP) as the
Development Methodology as we feel that it can positively
and significantly impact our processes and the delivery
of services. IP is a deliberate and disciplined approach
to software development. The main advantage of IP is that
it lays stress on customer satisfaction. The methodology
is designed to clearly understand the client requirements
and deliver the software within expected time frame. IP
empowers the developers to confidently respond to changing
client requirements, even late in the life cycle. Communication,
simplicity, feedback, and courage consistently followed
in all the phases of the IP programming methodology enable
timely delivery to the client while maintaining high quality
standards. With regular client feedback it becomes easier
to thoroughly understand and address the changing client
requirements confidently.
The IP Programming
Life Cycle Model emphasizes the following:
IP emphasizes
teamwork
Managers, customers, and developers are all part of
a team dedicated to delivering quality software. IP
implements a simple, yet effective way to enable groupware
style development.
IP
emphasizes not just testing, but testing well
The analysis phase of IP starts with 'User Stories'
that forms the backbone of all the consecutive phases
of the life cycle model. IP programmers communicate
with their customers and fellow programmers. They
keep their design simple and clean. They get feedback
by testing their software starting on day one. They
deliver the system to the customers as early as possible
and implement changes as suggested.
More
confident approach towards changing requirements
IP programmers are able to courageously respond to
changing requirements and technology. Too often a
customer will see a real opportunity for making a
system useful after it has been delivered. IP short
cuts this by getting customer feed back early while
there is still time to change functionality or improve
user acceptance.
Continuous
Client Interaction
Tests are automated and provide a safety net for programmers
and customers alike. Tests are created before the
code is written, while the code is written, and after
the code is written. As bugs are found new tests are
added. A safety net of tight mesh is created. Bugs
don't get through twice.
Statistics suggest that when customers complain, business owners and managers ought to get excited about it. The complaining customer represents a huge opportunity for more business.