XML and SQL: Developing Web Applications

Requirements Gathering

My method of gathering requirements is simple: Lock everyone together in a room, lead the discussion, encourage the participants to talk to each other, and listen. Make sure everyone with any sway over decision making is in this room. If your new boss decides at the last minute to skip the meeting to talk to some investment bankers in Chicago, cancel the meeting and reschedule it. It can be difficult getting all the key people together in one room, but it's essential. If necessary, use bribery. Offer pizza, serve drinks, and bake cookies; give the participants gifts. Any personal expense incurred is a good investment in your future employability. You want to write a list of raw requirements that everyone agrees to. I recommend ...