Process

Surrounded By Tools

Like other craftsmen, the Big Swinging Developer has an above average toolbox.  When a problem rears it’s ugly head, the right program, utility, or plug-in is just a download away.  Like a master craftsmen, Big Swinging Developers also realize that tools are there to perform a function and that there’s more than one way to complete a task.  When you’ve reached this level of mastery, you stop complaining that your client uses ClearCase for version control even though you prefer Subversion. You’ll gladly work with Oracle, SQL Server, or MySQL . . . after all, databases are just a tool that let you work with data.  You’re a fan of Infragistics, but they’re a Syncfusion shop?  In the words of Tim Gunn, "Make it work".

This is not to say that you shouldn’t have preferences.  And you should certainly put in your two cents when they’re in the process of making technology decisions.  After the decisions have been made, however, it’s time to get down to business.  Remember: It’s a poor craftsman who blames his tools.