Choosing the right developer
How do you find the right software developer for your project? Well before we get into the detail of actual skills and abilities, let's start by taking a look at exactly what a developer does or perhaps more precisely, should do.
A software developers job can be summed up as follows:
- They should create the software so it meets your specification
- They should complete the software in the correct time period
- They should understand what you are looking to achieve with the software
- They should develop it so it meets best practices for the development of software
Ok, so nothing particularly surprising there. But based on simply that criteria most software developers would be suitable for the project, after all you will not find a software developer who is likely to say "our project management is absolutely terrible" or "we do not know the first thing about creating software applications".
What you really need to do is to delve into a few areas of software development and quiz them a bit on there take and opinion; but be mindful that there isn't a definite right answer for every area. Here are a few areas to focus on when trying to assess whether a developer is suitable for the project.
Can they do it?
Personally I would suggest that you ask them about how long the business has been trading and what are the basic skills of the development team. A good development team will have good degrees, that means you are looking for at least 2.1 (upper second class) in Software Engineering or Computer Science, or a derivative or those degrees. Do not go for those 'developers' who have studied web design, they are good at designing websites - web based applications are not the same and need highly skilled development.
Next ask them about their industry qualifications, these would include Microsoft and Adobe exams passed and awards achieved. This is really an indication of the overall team as the business cannot normally acquire the qualification until a certain number of developers have passed their individual exams.
The final bit, and this is the most important! Get them to show their work to you and talk through the processes that they followed to create the specific application. A good developer will be able to show you where things worked well and where changes were made because certain elements didn't work as well as they should - any developer who tells you the entire project was perfect is either lying or didn't push the boundaries as far as they should have.
How do they intend to do it?
Next ask them to explain to you how they intend to deliver the project. They should already have a set of processes in place for this, but ask them to talk through the key elements for delivery. They should also be able to produce a draft project plan together with a gantt chart and show you when completion is likely. Ask them how they plan to cope with changes, as these will almost certainly happen, and how these changes are recorded and managed.
Do they get it?
Don't forget you are not just looking for any piece of software, you are looking for something very specific - that is why you have chosen this route. Find out if the developer really understands your business and the way you work, if they don't then they are going to make endless mistakes and produce a piece of technically correct but largely useless software.