Better Software Magazine Articles

The Tale of the Too-Talented Techie

Every manager has a story to tell. Find out how one management professional tackles a fictional dilemma. The story may be made up, but the solutions are tried and true. In this installment, Peter Clark spins a yarn of what can happen when a team member's talent goes to his head.

Peter Clark
Write Sweet-Smelling Comments

All code is not created equal. Learn from a master of the craft how to spot bad code and mold it into good. This month, Mike Clark explains how to sniff out stinky code and write comments that count.

Mike Clark
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
Implement by Feature

Every manager has a story to tell. Find out how one management professional tackles a fictional dilemma. The story may be made up, but the solutions are tried and true. In this installment, Johanna Rothman recounts the tale of a wayward project rescued by a cross-functional team.

Johanna Rothman's picture Johanna Rothman
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
Changing How You Manage Change

Every manager has a story to tell. Find out how one management professional tackles a fictional dilemma. The story may be made up, but the solutions are tried and true. In the first installment of this series of columns, Naomi Karten offers tips on how to handle change in the workplace.

Naomi Karten's picture Naomi Karten
Why Agile Projects Don't Thrash

Tension is present on every software project. It comes from the stress of ensuring the software is fit for its purpose, which often leads to multiple changes. Find out why agile projects handle change better than most, and learn three things you can try on your next project to keep change in check.

Ronald E. Jeffries
Stop Listening to Your Users

Just because you have a problem does not mean you are the best person to solve it. In this issue's Technically Speaking, Mike Cohn recommends truly involving users as participants in the process instead of just asking them what they want.

Mike Cohn's picture Mike Cohn
Explosions, Education and e-Commerce

Get the software engineering slant on items from the recent news.
 

Pam Young
The Power of Two

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, see how pair work benefits everyone and why two brains are better than one.

Brian Marick

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