Better Software Magazine Articles

Tools for Our Time

Software development has really changed over the years, and programming languages have evolved along with it. Learn more about D, one of today's more interesting languages; it's a high-level, type-safe language with the efficiency of C++ and the convenience of Java.

Chuck Allison's picture Chuck Allison
The Blind Leading the Blind

When a team decides to go agile but its management fails to acknowledge the changes to each team member's role and provide support during the transition, frustration ensues. Find out how recognizing the needs of each new role can help smooth the way to a successful agile adoption.

Jennitta Andrea's picture Jennitta Andrea
Sophie's Choice

What do you do when your boss tells you to do something your conscience won't allow? Follow a test manager as she is faced with an ethical dilemma that forces her to pick between what is right and what will save her job. It's a tough position to be in, find out how to come through it with your head held high.

Fiona Charles's picture Fiona Charles
Believing Is Seeing

What you don't know can hurt you, and what you do know can too. Lee Copeland takes a look at how the results of a 1949 Harvard experiment with playing cards should influence the way you evaluate your previous experience when building software

Lee Copeland's picture Lee Copeland
Speaking Truth to Power: How to Break The Bad News

There comes a time in every software professional's career when telling the truth to someone in power becomes an issue. It can be a difficult situation, but it's far worse to keep silent. Norm Kerth offers some helpful advice on speaking up in ways that are tactful and sincere.

Norm Kerth
Help Wanted: Hiring a Software Tester With an Agile Attitude

What can you do to ensure you hire a tester with an agile attitude? Lisa Crispin explains the approach her team used to find a new tester with both the right skills and the right attitude.

Lisa Crispin's picture Lisa Crispin
Three You Should Read

We're pleased to bring you technical editors who are well respected in their fields. Get their take on everything that relates to the industry, technically speaking. In this issue, our newest technical editor, Lee Copeland, discusses three books that have changed his life and encourages others to seek out literary inspiration of their own.

Lee Copeland's picture Lee Copeland
The Hard Truth about Soft Skills

Turn to The Last Word, where software professionals who care about quality give you their opinions on hot topics. This month, Esther Derby explains why interpersonal skills can do more than boost your popularity; they can help you excel in the workplace.

Esther Derby's picture Esther Derby
Remaining Relevant

Wondering how to maintain a competitive edge in this era of outsourcing and downsizing? Become an entrepreneur. Try managing your career as if it were a business, because in many ways it is. You will find your work more rewarding—and you'll increase your value to your employer.

Chad Fowler
2004 Salary Survey

Each year we ask you, the readers, to tell us about your job, your experience, and your compensation. We then present our findings in a format that makes it easy to compare yourself to your peers. Check it out.

Francesca Matteu's picture Francesca Matteu

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