[Zope3-dev] Re: Development methodology (Re: [Zope-CMF] Future CMF) (rant)

[Chris Withers]

Lalo Martins wrote:
> 
> I did not ask for an implementation first, but a *prototype*. I do firmly
> believe a well-written prototype is better documentation for intent,
> analysis and design than what we're doing currently.

I not sure "what we're currently doing" is, so I can't really comment on the 
accuracy of your statement. However, I'd be pretty concerned about a 
prototype-lead process for three reasons:

1. Regardless of what anyone says or believes they're trying to do, prototypes 
_will_ end up being used as implementations as it'll often be the easiest thing 
to do, which is bad.

2. Prototypes can often lead you into a certain way of thinking about a solution 
before you've even thought about the problem properly ;-)

3. Trying to document design decisions and ideas using a prototype is abhorently 
wrong. I've tried it, it hurt, so I stopped...

cheers,

Chris

PS: Crossposting when you're asked no to is pretty evil ;-)