The thing I hate about writing software is when you can’t see progress for days and days. I’ve spent the last week working on one part of a project, which if it works out okay sets the foundation for the next batch of development. So, just at the time that my client is pressuring for a end date, I spend time carefully planning and hypothesising and drawing state machines. In parallel with that I do straightforward coding: a bit of architecture, develop some views, add a couple of new classes, add some methods to the classes and make little notes for refactoring later (if I ever get a chance!)

During all that time, I’m never 100% sure I’m on the right track. I think I am, but despite everything written down, there are still these thoughts, ifs and buts that suffocate my thoughts 24/7. It’s very depressing. Part of me wants to chuck it all in, but another part of me tells me to deal with it. Needless to say, being an Aquarian, the ‘deal with it’ wins out. So, I plough headlong into the final stretch of this small phase of development. The phase that has borne no rewards for the past week. Sure, I can check things off one by one as I do them, but I can’t see any difference. Very early on in my career one of my programme managers always used to ask the question “what if it all turns to rat shit?”. I know what he meant now.

But, this afternoon was a landmark. I finished the work, tested it, and all is well! I now make some further notes for the next stage of development and I feel a lot better for it. So, I can find time to do a post on this website

Tomorrow it’s back into the cauldron.