Re: chief programmer team organizations was (c++ vs ada results)H

[dlw@odi.com (Dan Weinreb)]

In article <1991Jun21.222536.18888@netcom.COM> jls@netcom.COM (Jim Showalter) writes:

   If someone can provide me with an explanation for why junior programmers
   should be making architectural decisions affecting the entire project,
   I'm all ears.

I generally agree with the point you're making.  In my experience,
what really happens is more complex than anything described in any of
these postings.  Iterative development of software within a team is a
social interaction between people.  It's not a question of "command
and obey", but a give-and-take with conversations and discussions.  In
general, when I've been involved with this, the more senior
"architect"-type people end up having more say about design issues.
But if one of the other team members has a good idea, that idea can
certainly be used, and a good architect should pay attention to
everyone's ideas and be quick to credit and use ideas from anyone.
This is part of the process by which the more junior people become
more senior, and it helps keep everybody motivated and excited.  An
important thing about the concensus process is to establish an
atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, so that when there are
disagreements on how to proceed, people will be able to compromise,
or to willingly give up their proposals and go along with someone
else's, without resentment.