Chapter 6: Developers

Chapter 6

Developers

Arguably, in any software development project, developers perform the key role. Not so long ago, before software development became a profession, developers often worked alone—renegades slinging code in a darkened room. Later, as software became more complex, developers worked in teams, planning an application over coffee, Coke, and pizza.

Today, software is far more complex, requiring well-organized teams of people, from architects to testers. In this environment, structure becomes very important. Microsoft® Visual Studio® 2005 Team System can be a critical tool to assist in providing that structure.

Visual Studio 2005 Team System provides an entire suite of tools for developers. These tools help the developer create more efficient, less buggy, and cleaner code in less time. Some of the Team System tools geared toward developers include a Class Designer to assist in developing well-structured class diagrams graphically, unit testing tools, code coverage tools, static analysis tools, and even profiling tools. All the work performed using these tools can also be tracked by associating the work done with a work item.