Chris McKenzie's Blog

1.) VS source control integration stinks, IMHO. Source Safe is terrible and most 3rd party integrations are even worse. I like Database projects, but avoid SCC like the plague.

2.) Is this a joke?

3.) Again, you're killing me. I did both Java web and Swing development for several years.

4.) Right now we use VS.NET setup projects, but they're pretty weak. We're torn because MSI is a complicated mess (but very powerful) and WiX is incomprehensible. Perhaps we'll break down and buy InstallShield or Wise or just use Nullsoft's installer

5.) I haven't used PVCS, but I've heard it's horrible. It can't be any worse than VSS, that's for sure. Subversion is the way to go, no doubt. I've used several other source control systems and subversion beats them all bar none.

6.) For the most part. I wish I could stick to TDD more, but it's hard to put into practice the ideals. There's just not enough concrete examples and methodologies.

We use code coverage tools, we unit test heavily (mostly after a new feature is added), we're using continuous integration, we're trying to get FxCop integrated, but it's going slowly.

1. Nope, long live Query Analyzer and sql scripts!

2. My only experience with Java is from Starbucks.

3. See above.

4. I used the VS.NET deployment project with the .NET boot strapper and MDAC components included. I admit MS made it pretty easy but my installation is pretty vanilla so I don't know how I would have fared beyond the basics.

5. Eh? The only source control I've ever tried is Subversion. Pretty spiffy.

6. No I'm a one man shop. Although I am constantly trying to force my self to get into TDD and automated builds.

1. No, I use an O/R mapper :)
2. Java is superior in server side technology, like enterprise wide systems, not on the client.
3. Apples and oranges comparison.
4. Build my own.
5. Don't now perforce, I use subversion, which is amazing.
6. Yes. :)

Questions 2 & 3 are no joke--I haven't used java for windows app development, nor for web development. I've been told that there's a java equivalent of ASP .NET--so I'm wondering how it compares.

1. No, I create/generate my own scripts and manually place them in source control.
2. Java sucks for Windows client development -- its doable, but obviously second-rate.
3. JSP is nearly a "clone" of ASP, and its usually playing catch-up in most cases.
4. I actually found Wise too limited, and have found the built-in tools adequate. Of course, a professional installation would require more, along with a dedicated person.
5. PVCS is very outdated -- you should be comparing VSS to Vault, Subversion, Perforce, and CVS -- all of which beat VSS by far. That said, I don't use the integration with VS, since I prefer manually control.
6. Not really -- and I can't say I've ever personally seen any place that did.

1. I've used the database project on a smaller project, but on in my current group, we do not; scripts are generated and checked into VSS by a dba group. We have, though, recently turned on VSS for stored procedures through VS; too soon to say how well this will help manage changes there.

6. I think my current group is doing a good job in being aware of what needs improvement and adapting.

1) Yes we actually do, but with a lot of manual process added to manage changes from one version of the application (and db changes) to another.

2) I used to develop Java windows apps before .NET. After .NET, why would I torture myself. .NET is by far better in this area.

3) It is hard to say, just because I don't think you can compare ASP.NET to any other web development methodology. (My favorite is PHP anyways :) )

4) I integrate custom build tool and InstallShield.

5) I have never used PVCS. I use WinCVS at home, cvs on linux web dev box that i have, and VSS at work. Both tools, cvs and vss have their own problems and advantages. If I would have to choose one, it still would be cvs.

6) It varies from team to team depending on personel. We have our own dev standards, global components, in-house utilities. However a lot of is lacking in xp area of developing such as unit testing and peer reviews. I think I am the only one here that uses NUnit which is very very sad. Design methodologies are pretty well defined and the process for it is also in place.