Selling the Investment to Pay Down Technical Debt: The Code Christmas Tree

Abstract

Extreme programming (XP) techniques and other advances in software development allow for creation of a code base which is more easily understood and maintained. This often leads to faster enhancements, at a lower cost, and with fewer defects. However, when these practices are not followed, problems within the code base can manifest themselves as technical debt. The following report details the experience of one team in trying to influence toward greater understanding in and investment toward their technical debt problem by making that problem visible. The team hangs large representations of their code base in the walkway by their desks. The charts create conversation in and around the team and eventually shows results.