Software Development Practices At Google

prostoalex writes "It's widely known that Google allows its engineers to spend 20% of paid work time on personal projects (that are nevertheless considered property of the company). But how does the practice actually work? Joe Beda provides a helpful insight in his blog, pointing out other interesting software development practices at Google. The code database is open for everyone, the snippets and pieces are documented and one is encouraged to re-use existing code. The intranet is transparent to the max and the company accepts the fact that there's more than way to accomplish something, so a better method is always welcomed. Interesting to note that just like Hawaiian shirt days in Office Space, the 20% per projects are "actively encouraged" - Joe suspects his review ratings might slip if he doesn't have one soon."

Comments

Googledot

[Godman]

We need a new google section...there has been way to much google information flying around lately.

Main
Apache
Apple
GoogleDot
AskSlashdot :-)

Re:Innovative is good...

[rokzy]

>as is Wolfram Research

yes but Wolfram himself is a prick and a disgrace to science. why publish in peer-reviewed journals and engage in debate when you can just write a book and claim you've reinvented science? who needs actual results when you're a millionaire?

Re:career impact?

[theperplepigg]

nice troll.

Let me ask you, though: How is technology supposed to move forward if all the smart people spend their time redoing the same things?

To me, you are saying that the people who made C++, Java, PHP, or <insert favorite language /> might be considered smart, but the people who use those languages are just not. After all, all they really did was learn other peoples' APIs. To me, the very essense of programming IS stringing pre-fab parts together. you want to use the std::vector? java.util.*? These are just packages pre-made so that future programmers can benefit. I'm not saying smart people don't reinvent the wheel (though feel free to still call me a leech); instead, I would say that smart people know WHEN to reinvent the wheel, and when to use off-the-shelf parts.