Web development is serious business, so we try to lighten up with a little geeky humor. We know it can also be a frustrating business for our clients.

Building software requires a lot of behind the scenes work. Having a little better understanding of some simple software truths can go a long way in making the process a positive one. We want to clear up a couple misconceptions of software development to hopefully alleviate the frustration with a little humor.

Custom web development myths, and the truth behind them:

MYTH 1: Adding more developers will make the project go faster. While a few extra hands may help, in many cases, extra developers can cause confusion, overlap, and a poorly functioning end product. Fred Brooks of IBM says it best: "Nine people can't make a baby in a month." It is a step process that requires patience. Good communication and a clear project outline BEFORE the project begins will be much more effective than throwing extra people on a project that is behind.

MYTH 2: If someone can't use it, the system must be broken. As hard as it is to accept, sometimes a problem is caused by User Error, not System Error. Advanced systems can also mean they require a more advanced ability to use. While developing an intuitive user interface is important, the user must also be willing to utilize help tools and learn about the software. In a study of data loss in Google Apps (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.), the data loss was the result of user error 63% of the time.  Even systems created with user experience as a primary goal, and made for average users, will have "Ëœerrors'. "Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." "“ Rich Cook, Author

MYTH 3: Good custom software should not have bugs. "It's easy to cry "bug" when the truth is that you've got a complex system and sometimes it takes a while to get all the components to co-exist peacefully."  Doug Vargas. The only way to get bug-free software is to test it thoroughly before use, and to continue testing and maintaining as long as it is in use (and even then bugs may still appear). Even advanced systems with a huge amount of resources, like Facebook, have bugs that must be worked out. Be patient and make sure your software goes through a Beta testing stage, during which the bugs can be identified and resolved.

Keep these myths, and the truth behind them, in mind during any custom software development project and you will find it a much better experience. For both you and your programming team.  

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