chipcamden, Author at TechRepublic

chipcamden

Bio

Chip Camden has been programming since 1978, and he's still not done. An independent consultant since 1991, Chip specializes in software development tools, languages, and migration to new technology. Besides writing for TechRepublic's IT Consultant blog, he also contributes to [Geeks Are Sexy] Technology News and his two personal blogs, Chip's Quips and Chip's Tips for Developers.

Latest from chipcamden

Project Management

My early years in IT consulting: What I did and didn’t do well

If you could do it all over again, would you do anything differently in your first few years as an IT consultant? Chip Camden answers this question.

Project Management

10 personality traits of a highly effective independent consultant

Many IT consultants daydream about branching out on their own without giving much thought to what skills are necessary to succeed as a freelancer. Before you commit to being an independent consultant, read this list.

Developer

How to prevent code rot

Software developers call neglected code that stops working code rot. Chip Camden explains why this often occurs and how to avoid such trouble.

Developer

The art of the small test program

When your application fails, Chip Camden suggests creating a Small Test Program because it will help vendors and developers help you. Here's what is involved in creating such programs.

Project Management

18 maxims of successful IT consulting

Chip Camden shares IT consulting lessons he's picked up over the years. After you read his pearls of wisdom, post your favorite consulting one-liners in the discussion.

Developer

Avoid getting buried in technical debt

Ward Cunningham wrote in 1992 that shipping first-time code is like going into technical debt. Chip Camden explains that the usefulness of the technical debt metaphor is awareness.

Project Management

Statement of work: essential or useless?

Chip Camden advises on how to write a statement of work that fits with an iterative development process, yet still provides assurances of value to the client and to the consultant.

Developer

Why programmers should study the art of programming

Chip Camden encourages programmers to cultivate a broad and deep understanding of the trade by accumulating a knowledge of its history and keeping an eye on recent developments.

Project Management

Herding tigers: How to manage subcontractors for your consultancy

Chip Camden tells a reader who is starting an IT consultancy that she has to coordinate efforts between clients and her genius subcontractors. Post your advice on managing subcontractors.

Project Management

Marketing trends and strategies for consultants

These survey results indicate what types of marketing consultants spend time on compared with how those varying time commitments result in income.

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chipcamden

My early years in IT consulting: What I did and didn’t do well

10 personality traits of a highly effective independent consultant

How to prevent code rot

The art of the small test program

18 maxims of successful IT consulting

Avoid getting buried in technical debt

Statement of work: essential or useless?

Why programmers should study the art of programming

Herding tigers: How to manage subcontractors for your consultancy

Marketing trends and strategies for consultants

Employee performance review policy

Employee time off policy

Employee privacy policy

Security response policy