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Old 02-19-2006, 12:46 PM  
Varius
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: New York, NY
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I think it depends on the coder(s).

For example, if you are outsourcing something to an offshore company, you definately want to have strict specifications. Leaving them room for 'creativity' will only lead to delays, problems and more time/money spent.

On the flip side, if you have an experienced coder in-house, it might take more time to draw up the specs than to actually have him code the project based on a simple discussion.

Also, it is often impossible for the client/project manager to come up with fully detailed technical specs unless they have a deep technical expertise. They might know what they want, maybe in what language and what database, etc...but they won't consider all the intricate details that come up which will lead to a need to go against the specs.

I hate documentation/specs. However I know for a fact that they are sometimes the best option (for example, with Tico programmers ;p). That's my

Fo you PHP guys, my tip of the day is to use Smarty. Once you get used to it you will LOVE it and its vast array of advantages/benefits.
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