The Forest and the Desert is a metaphor for eager about software program
growth processes, developed by Beth Andres-Beck and hir father Kent Beck.
It posits that two communities of software program builders have nice issue
speaking to one another as a result of they reside in very completely different contexts, so
recommendation that applies to at least one feels like nonsense to the opposite.
The desert is the widespread world of software program growth, the place bugs are
plentiful, talent is not cultivated, and communications with customers is tough.
The forest is the world of a well-run crew that makes use of one thing like Excessive Programming, the place builders swiftly put modifications into
manufacturing, protected by their exams, code is invested in to maintain it wholesome,
and there may be common contact with The Buyer.
Clearly Beth and Kent want The Forest (as do I). However the metaphor is extra
about how description of The Forest and the recommendation for the way to work there typically
sounds nonsensical to these whose solely expertise is The Desert. It reminds us
that any classes we draw about software program growth observe, or architectural
patterns, are ruled by the context that we skilled them. It’s doable
to alter Desert into Forest, nevertheless it’s tough – typically requiring individuals to do
issues which can be each arduous and counter-intuitive. (It appears sadly simpler for
The Forest to undergo desertification.)
On this framing I am positively a Forest Dweller, and search with Thoughtworks
to domesticate a wholesome forest for us and our shoppers. I work to elucidate The Forest to Desert
Dwellers, and assist my fellow Forest Dwellers to make their forest much more
plentiful.
Acknowledgements
Kent Beck provided the picture, which he could have painstakingly drew pixel by
pixel. Or not.
