Invalidationg Axioms
The shifting software development ecosystem slowly invalidates assumptions we make about software architecture. Every so often, architects and developers should question assumptions to make sure they are aligned with the modern world.
Axioms in mathematics and science are the things assumed to be true, as the basis for new theories and discoveries. We have axioms in the software development world as well, but they are built on quicksand rather than bedrock. Unlike almost any other discipline, the software development ecosystems constantly shifts and changes. We make assumptions about things like software architecture, but the shifting ecosystem slowly invalidates the foundations of that decision. This keynote traces several axiom-invalidating innovations from the last few years, using examples from the new Fundamentals of Software Architecture book, but also shows how teams can invalidate their own axioms to help break out of slumps and foster innovation.
About Neal Ford
Neal is Director, Software Architect, and Meme Wrangler at ThoughtWorks, a global IT consultancy with an exclusive focus on end-to-end software development and delivery.
Before joining ThoughtWorks, Neal was the Chief Technology Officer at The DSW Group, Ltd., a nationally recognized training and development firm. Neal has a degree in Computer Science from Georgia State University specializing in languages and compilers and a minor in mathematics specializing in statistical analysis.
He is also the designer and developer of applications, instructional materials, magazine articles, video presentations, and author of 6 books, including the most recent The Productive Programmer. His language proficiencies include Java, C#/.NET, Ruby, Groovy, functional languages, Scheme, Object Pascal, C++, and C. His primary consulting focus is the design and construction of large-scale enterprise applications. Neal has taught on-site classes nationally and internationally to all phases of the military and to many Fortune 500 companies. He is also an internationally acclaimed speaker, having spoken at over 100 developer conferences worldwide, delivering more than 600 talks. If you have an insatiable curiosity about Neal, visit his web site at http://www.nealford.com. He welcomes feedback and can be reached at nford@thoughtworks.com.