Resolver Systems : Technology
- Jonathan Hartley
- Programmer
Data Points
Eschewed established programming languages like C# in favour of IronPython
Wrote lots of our own internal infrastructure
- Strong on agile development
- Test-driven development
- Pair programming
Typical of small technically-savvy startup
Why IronPython?
Niche implementation of a niche language
Python & Open Source have low penetration within technically conservative client organisations
Microsoft's acquisition of IronPython was a trifle worrying
Dynamic languages reputedly slow & unscalable
IronPython : Rapid Development
- Innovative product:
- Needed rapid prototyping
- Specification very fluid
More functionality with less effort
Functionality vs Effort
IronPython : Embeddable
Embedded in our product as a scripting language
User's cell formula & macros are written in the same language as the application
Dynamic typing matches user expectation for spreadsheet formulae syntax
IronPython : Credible
Microsoft managing IronPython very well (eg. accepting and responding to bug reports)
Resolver One the world's largest IronPython application
Is a fully-interoperable .Net language
Client's spreadsheets can very easily use in-house or third-party components, commonly written in .Net languages like C#, VB.Net, etc.
Gained credibility amongst our .Net-oriented clients from the acquisition by Microsoft
IronPython : Testable
Dynamic languages a natural fit for Test-driven development (TDD)
"Doesn't that halve your development speed?"
Good product & happy developers
Can't imagine doing future software development without it
Custom infrastructure
Didn't set out to roll-our-own, but gradually accreted small improvements.
Replaced Cruise Control with a custom script
Test runner publishes results to a database
Distributed test runner spreads the load across idle PCs.
Pair Programming
"Doesn't that halve your development speed AGAIN?"
- Actually provides huge benefits in terms of:
- Interpretation of specification
- Number of bugs
- Code design (easier to change product later)
- Spread knowledge around the whole team
- Abolishes 'developer guilt' in the workplace
- Brilliant for morale