I can’t help but make comparisons between software development, philosophy and martial arts as I’m passionate about all three. However, I’ve tried three times so far to write an in-depth analysis of the similarities and links between various types of each and failed to put it quite right so I thought a short sharp post about them.

Traditional Waterfall = Karate = Abrahamic Religions
Hard commandments, kata and set routines that are followed to the letter. Used by the enterprise and enshrined in the blood, sweat and tears of the old guard.

Agile Development = 5 Animal Form Kung Fu = Buddhism
An attempt to break from rigidity but instead merely adds a number of extra tools to its box and attempts to become more agile yet still sticks to its general tennets religiously preaching such ideas as TDD, prototyping, etc.

Pliant Development = Jeet Kune Do = Daoism
The next level after Agile? I read the FAQ at their website and it struck me as very JKD, very Daoist. Live in the moment and adapt to change and willing to use ANY tool regardless of any pre-concieved notion.

Cowboy Coding = Street Fighting = Anarchy
Sometimes works but more often than not results in failure, pain and misery.

Disclaimer: The links between methodologies, religions and MA’s are tenuous and for a little fun only. They shouldn’t be taken seriously and certainly shouldn’t be taken as offensive.

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