We usually lean toward terms and methods from other engineering disciplines in software development.  In some ways, this is good, and in others, it isn't.  All engineering disciplines have a strong history of learning from the past and improving on what was done before.  However, there is one aspect where I do not think software development should follow others, and I'm sure many know it well, the construction analogy. The Construction Analogy " We've got to start with a solid foundation and work from there. "  Software development strategy is very frequently related to buildings and construction.  We tend to describe software as a single building with many rooms and interconnected hallways.  When using this analogy, of course, you need a strong foundation.  More importantly, you need a clearly defined plan for everything about the building before you start. It isn't possible to build the proper foundation without knowing everything about how the...