Budgets and Timelines
I have the opportunity to work with a new partner on their web application. The project is a good one. The time to complete it isn’t the best. As well the partner is concerned about costs.
What’s new right?
There is a fine line software developers dance between being honest about getting the work done and actually doing it (and doing it well). The problem is multiplied when the project is something the developer has done before. Just like me in this case. This new project is something I have done a dozen or more times. And there is the seductress.
Not each project is the same in any respect. They are all unique. Just because you have done something before does not mean you can do it again (the same way). Software is complicated and each project has it’s own unique complexities.
If you feel in your gut you can do it in 30 hours, tell the partner 60. Some people do this kind of time budgeting for all software. I feel it’s only important to double your time budget in circumstances like this. When you think you know.
You really don’t know. So don’t cheat. Be honest.