25. jan. 2006

The Joel Test: 12 Steps to Better Code - Joel on Software

The quick way to check how good a software team is.

The Joel Test
  1. Do you use source control?
  2. Can you make a build in one step?
  3. Do you make daily builds?
  4. Do you have a bug database?
  5. Do you fix bugs before writing new code?
  6. Do you have an up-to-date schedule?
  7. Do you have a spec?
  8. Do programmers have quiet working conditions?
  9. Do you use the best tools money can buy?
  10. Do you have testers?
  11. Do new candidates write code during their interview?
  12. Do you do hallway usability testing?
For every yes you get a point.
12 points: Perfect!
11 points: Tolerable...
10 points or lower: Get startet!!!

Joel has a good description to every item, so check it out.

Ajax: A New Approach to Web Applications

This article gives you a brief introduction on how-to use AJAX.

The author (Eric Pascarello) has kindly zipped the example:
http://radio.javaranch.com/pascarello/files/BasicAjaxExample.zip

Of course a good place to start is by this book:
Ajax in Action
See two sample chapters: http://www.manning.com/books/crane/chapters