The Joel Test

(See The Joel Test)

Joel Spolsky came up with the following 12 steps to better code:

    1) Do you use source control?

    2) Can you make a build in one step?

    3) Do you make daily builds?

    4) Do you have a bug database?

    5) Do you fix bugs before writing new code?

    6) Do you have an up-to-date schedule?

    7) Do you have a spec?

    8) Do programmers have quiet working conditions?

    9) Do you use the best tools money can buy?

    10) Do you have testers?

    11) Do new candidates write code during their interview?

    12) Do you do hallway usability testing?

The interesting thing is what you get if you combine step 9 with step 10.

Joel also has something to say about Testing.

You might have noticed that none of these steps address 'human' issues, for these, Markus Buckingham has a list