Software development teams often find themselves in drastically different environments. Some operate in a challenging “desert,” where code is hard to maintain, deadlines dictate priorities, and collaboration is scarce. Others thrive in a “forest,” where teams work together effectively, defects are minimal, and a shared purpose aligns the entire organization.
In their keynote “We’re Good At Writing Software”, Bent Beck & Beth Andres-Beck explore this analogy and provide a roadmap for transitioning from the desert to the forest. This article summarizes their insights and provides direct links to key moments in the talk.
Desert vs. Forest: A Tale of Two Work Cultures
The speakers introduce two contrasting environments in software development:
- Desert: Scarce resources, overwhelming deadlines, fragmented teams, and software riddled with bugs.
- Forest: Abundant collaboration, clear goals, minimal defects, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Watch the explanation of this analogy (0:30).
Achieving Zero or Minimal Bugs
A key message in the talk is that near-zero defects are not only possible but should be the goal of every team. This can be achieved through:
- Rigorous testing practices that ensure changes are verified before release.
- Incremental design, which encourages small, safe changes rather than large, risky rewrites.
- Shared responsibility for code quality, where anyone who can break the code is also responsible for fixing it.
Watch the discussion on near-zero defects (5:04).
Incremental Design and Small Steps
Rather than attempting to plan everything upfront, teams should embrace an iterative approach:
- Regular refactoring ensures the code remains clean and adaptable.
- Small, frequent changes reduce risk and make debugging easier.
- Experiments and failures should be seen as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.
Learn more about the power of small steps (10:11).
Fostering Team Collaboration and Community
Strong teamwork is the foundation of a forest-like development environment. Key strategies include:
- Encouraging pair or mob programming to enhance learning and prevent silos.
- Promoting open code ownership so that all developers feel responsible for maintaining quality.
- Ensuring that conversations about conflicts lead to better solutions rather than friction.
See how collaboration impacts development teams (10:11).
Involving Customers in Development
Many software teams work in isolation from their users, leading to misaligned priorities and unnecessary features. Instead, teams should:
- Engage customers and end-users throughout development to validate ideas early.
- Ensure that feedback loops are short so that the product continuously improves.
- Shift the mindset from “building software” to “solving customer problems.”
Watch how customer presence improves software (16:00).
Planning Less Work to Improve Quality
One counterintuitive but powerful idea from the talk is to plan for only about half of the team’s perceived capacity. This:
- Leaves room for unexpected challenges, preventing last-minute crunches.
- Enables teams to refactor, test, and improve rather than just delivering features.
- Reduces the risk of over-promising and under-delivering.
Learn about the benefits of planning less work (24:37).
Shared Purpose and Alignment
A strong leadership vision can unify a team and prevent internal conflicts. A shared mission ensures that:
- Developers understand why their work matters and how it contributes to business goals.
- Teams focus on collaboration rather than competition within the organization.
- Work is driven by value rather than arbitrary deadlines.
See how shared goals impact team success (24:37).
Growing a Forest: Starting Small
Even in a toxic “desert” work environment, small steps can spark change. The talk encourages developers to:
- Start book clubs, coding communities, or internal knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Focus on small wins that gradually improve collaboration and code quality.
- Advocate for cultural changes that align the company’s development practices with long-term success.
Learn how to plant the seeds of change (42:55).
Conclusion: The Journey to a Healthier Development Environment
The difference between a desert and a forest is not inevitable—it is shaped by the choices teams and leaders make. By fostering collaboration, prioritizing quality, and engaging with customers, teams can transition toward an environment where software development is not just productive but also enjoyable.
As the keynote suggests, change begins with small steps. What’s one thing you can do today to move your team closer to a forest?
Watch the final message on building a supportive culture (48:14).