Tasking developers with creating detailed estimates is a waste of time (2020) (iism.org)

Article summary

The article discusses the issue of tasking developers with creating detailed estimates, which can be a waste of time. The comments reveal that developers often struggle with providing accurate estimates due to the complexity and uncertainty of software development projects. Some argue that estimates are necessary for planning and budgeting, while others believe that they can be misleading and lead to unrealistic expectations. The discussion highlights the challenges of estimating software development projects and the need for a more nuanced approach.

Main themes

• software development estimates
• project planning
• task management
• developer productivity
• estimation techniques
• team collaboration

What commenters say

• Developers should not be tasked with creating detailed estimates as they are often inaccurate and a waste of time.
• Estimates are necessary for planning and budgeting, but they should be rough and based on past experiences.
• The use of story points or t-shirt sizing can be a more effective way to estimate software development projects.
• Breaking down large tasks into smaller ones can help to improve the accuracy of estimates.
• Senior developers tend to give higher estimates due to their experience with complex projects.
• Estimates should be used as a rough guide rather than a strict deadline.
• The focus should be on delivering working software rather than meeting arbitrary deadlines.
• Estimates can be influenced by personal biases and should be discussed and refined as a team.