Web development: business logic to code Sep18 '06
As a web developer, I’m always asked questions like, "Is it possible to prevent users from doing this," or, "Can we force them to do this...," etc, etc.
I always respond by saying, "Functionally, it’s possible to do anything. The real question is: Is it logical to do it? But I cannot answer that question for you."
Business people often blur the lines between functionality and logic, when it comes to working with a web developer.
As a web developer (and not a business person), I’m not overly concerned why a person needs to do a certain thing - but rather, I need to know what they expect to happen when they click a certain button, open a certain page, or otherwise make something happen while on a web page.
I’m concerned with effectively using JavaScript, MySQL, PHP, ASP - whatever it takes to achieve the end result. I have experience in using these technologies: experience writing the necessary programming logic that performs a certain function.
My job then is to create a usable, accessible, and fluent experience, while using a web page.
I don’t care about the business logic.
Is it really a web developers’ job to translate business logic into code? Hardly.
If the client can’t explain, in clear and concise terms, exactly what they expect to happen on a web page, then the developer can’t be responsible for filling in the gaps. That’s not his/her job.
When the developer assumes what the client expects (because of an unclear explanation) - this only leads to a half-finished product, with numerous holes and incomplete functionality. This is all bad for the end-user.
How is this problem being solved, in today’s world?
Large companies may have a "middle man," who’s sole job is to translate business logic into programming logic - in order to ease confusion on the web developer’s end.
However, smaller companies and clients can’t afford such a person. So it’s left to the developer to decipher the importance of converting a certain business goal into code.
Something is not right, there.
Categories: Business 
, Web Development
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