how do I write a functional specification quickly and efficiently
- by giddy
So I just read some fabulous articles by Joel on specs here. (Was written in 2000!!) I read all 4 parts, but Im looking for some methodical approaches to writing my specs.
Im the only lonely dev, working on this fairly complicated app (or family of apps) for a very well known finance company.
I've never made something this serious, I started out writing something like a bad spec, an overview of some sorts, and it has wasted a LOT of my time.
Ive also made 3 mockup-kinda-thingies for my client so I have a good understanding of what they want. Also released a preview (a throw away working app with the most basic workflow), and Ive only written and tested some of the very core/base systems.
I think the mistake Ive been making so far is not writing a detailed spec, so Im getting to it now.
So the whole thing comprises of
An MVC website (for admins & data viewing)
2 Silverlight modules (For 2 specific tasks)
1 Desktop Application
Im totally short on time, resources and need to get this done quick, also, need to make sure these guys read it up equally quick and painlessly.
So how do I go about it, Im looking for any tips, any real world stuff, how do you guys usually do it?
Do you make a mock screenie of every dialog/form/page?
Im thinking of making a dummy asp.net web forms project, then filling in html files in folders and making it look like my mvc url structure.
Then having a section in the spec for the website and write up a page for every URL Ive got with a screenie.
For my win forms app, Ive made somewhat of a demo Win Form project, would I then put in a dialog or stucture everything as I would in the real app and then screen shot it?
