TLDR Founders · MISCELLANEOUS

SOFTWARE ESTIMATES HAVE NEVER WORKED AND NEVER WILL

world.hey.com2 min read

Summary from the TLDR Founders newsletter

Estimating software development timelines has consistently proven ineffective, as the inherently novel nature of most projects makes precise predictions impossible. Instead of relying on traditional estimates, adopting flexible approaches like using budgets or "appetites" allows developers to negotiate scope during development, leading to better outcomes and timely delivery. This method aligns with human creativity and has been successfully implemented by teams to produce high-quality software.