Should architects code?
Tuesday, May 16, 2006

This is always an interesting discussion to me (since I am an architect). I just saw this article on this topic in Dr. Dobb's.

Personally, I think architects should be keep their fingers in the code to some extent. I just think it's difficult to architect/design a system if you don't know how it will be built. I don't write as much code as I used to, but I still like to stay involved and even participate in some coding and detailed design exercises from time to time.

Labels: General

posted by TigerEagle @ 3:31 PM,

3 Comments:

At 8:39 PM, Gilemonster said...: Yes, I would have to agree with you. I see no reason for the architect to be prevented from coding. Now saying that, I think it is obvious that the role of architect probably doesn't permit much time for coding because of the responsibilities of that job. The majority of coding tasks should be slated for the "coders" and the architect should work with them to ensure the design is followed. But, if the architect never writes, reviews, or even looks at code, he/she falls out of touch with the tools and technologies required to properly design software in our ever changing development environment. So some level of actual development should be allowed (even if the architect is a master in MS Excel or MS Project *grin*).

- Gilemonster
At 7:37 PM, tac said...: I agree with the Johanna Rothman blogpost that says "architects must code." In my opinion the ideal situation would be that the architecture and one or more programmers develope a liteweight prototype BEFORE any design or
schedules are written up. This way you can make a better assessment about how long the schedule will be. For example, lets say you architect a project using an "SDK" that is supposed to shorten the develope cycle. Without building a prototype that uses said SDK you have know way of knowing that using the SDK will actually add to the schedule. Just my 4 cents...
At 10:50 PM, Russ said...: Oy! Architects coding and coders architecting? Madness! Its all madness I tell you! When I was walking down Music Row here in Nashville, I bumped into Carrie Underwood and asked her two questions: First, how could you expect Jesus to take the wheel when he walked everywhere he went? Secondly, should coders architect or should they let let architects take the wheel? I'm not sure if it was an "actual" rape whistle she blew in my ear, but I still hear ringing. Hope all is well. -- Russ