[comp.windows.x] Estimating X-based projects

comeau@CRC.SKL.DND.CA (Phil Comeau) (01/16/90)

Dear X Community:

I'm preparing an estimate for a software development project that will
use X, and I'm looking for general information from people with Xperience.
The software will probably be designed and developed by people who have
never used X before, but who may have used other windowing packages. Here
are some of the things I'm looking for:

* How much learning time can we expect? Will a 3-4 day course help much?

* What phase of the software development process does X influence the most?
  Design? Coding? Integration?

* What suprises does X introduce to a schedule? Has X made development
  easer? Harder? How far out were your estimates on previous projects?

* How much benefit can I expect from publically available X software
  (drawing tools, interface prototypers, widgets, etc).

I realize that specific platforms, development environments, personnel
qualifications, etc. will make direct use of previous projects' results
difficult, but any info/advice offered will give me more to go on than
I have now.

Thanks.

Phil Comeau
Software Kinetics Inc.
65 Iber Rd.
Stittsville, Ont.
Canada K0A 3G0
(613) 831-0888
comeau@crc.skl.dnd.ca