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Tool Adoption

Implementing and utilising specific tools in the development process.

Also Known As

Related

Addresses / Mitigates

  • Schedule Risk: Facilitates the use of specialized tools to improve development efficiency and quality.
  • Process Risk: Reduces the risk of manual errors by automating repetitive tasks.
  • Operational Risk: Enhances operational efficiency through the use of appropriate tools.

Attendant Risks

  • Lock-In Risk: Creates dependencies on specific tools and their continued support.
  • Funding Risk: Can incur costs associated with acquiring and maintaining tools.
  • Complexity Risk: Integrating multiple tools can add complexity to the development process.
  • Lock-In Risk: Once tools become embedded in the process, they can be hard to change.

Used By

  • Extreme Programming: XP teams often adopt specific tools to manage the backlog, tests, and collaboration.

Description​

"Software tools are programs and utilities that help developers create, debug, maintain, or otherwise support software development." - Software tool, Wikipedia

Tool Adoption involves implementing and utilizing specific tools to enhance the development process. Unless a problem is specific to your circumstances, it's often better to adopt proven tools rather than building from scratch. Tools are worth using if they offer a better risk return than not using them—and some tools (compilers, type systems, garbage collection, build tools) offer such amazing returns that not using them becomes unthinkable.

However, picking new tools should be done carefully: you may be stuck with your choices for some time. See On Software Dependencies for guidance.

Variations​

Tool CategoryDescriptionReference
IDEsIntegrated Development Environments for writing, debugging, and testing.IDE, Wikipedia
Build ToolsTools for compiling, packaging, and managing dependencies.Build Automation, Wikipedia
Collaboration ToolsTools for team communication and project tracking.Collaborative Software, Wikipedia

Used By​

Extreme Programming

Extreme Programming

An Agile software development methodology that emphasizes customer satisfaction, teamwork, and frequent delivery of small, functional software increments.

Why: XP teams often adopt specific tools to manage the backlog, tests, and collaboration.

Uses:
  • Coding Standards