Analysis

[work in progress]

Analysis is a meta-theme that spans all over themes and things. Its primary purpose is understanding the “what”, the “why”, and the “what to do about it” of every situation.

As stated earlier, our goal as programmers is not to write code, but to achieve business objectives. Sometimes this can be achieved by writing code. At other times there isn’t even an objective to be achieved — why do the work then?

Solving problems is expensive, it takes time, effort, salary, good will — a variety of precious resources. Resources are always limited, so it is important to be solving the right problems. Analysis allows us to take all the inputs from any situation, and investigate what is actually happening. Pry apart proximate causes from root causes. Consider hypotheses and assumptions that are mistakenly treated as facts. Figure out what important details are lost due to poor communication. Examine known and unknown unknowns. Do some derisking. Come up with potential solutions, and figure out the ROI for each of them. And only then, maybe, implement one of the solutions.

Next: Red Flags ⇒