Sometimes the “toy” examples we build lead to something real. A few years ago, I wrote a 13-part article series for Informit, demonstrating TDD using the game of hold ’em poker. Shortly thereafter, I received a call from a company looking for Java developers to help them build an automated poker application for in-casino table. The pitch was that this would eliminate the need for costly human dealers; it would also speed up gameplay, allowing more hands and thus increasing the house’s rake. Someone at the small startup had read my articles and figured I at least knew the domain!
That work never materialized. Today I received an email (probably broadcast to wide distribution) from a headhunter with an interesting need: “We’re looking for someone in DFW with C# and C++ development experience who loves to bowl! They will be creating software for the sport of bowling and should have an interest in OR knowledge of the sport…” Ha! I don’t know that this is for an agile shop, but is there a hardcore agile developer out there who hasn’t coded the bowling game at least once? I wonder if that qualifies. 🙂
I’d alert Ron, but I’m sure he wouldn’t consider moving to Dallas. Well, if you’re interested, let me know and I’ll forward the recruiter info. Or if you’re looking for work in an agile shop elsewhere, check out the agile jobs list.
Comments
Claudio Acciaresi June 26, 2009 at 7:19am
Is it mandatory being in Dallas to apply?
Good question, I’ll guess yes, but I will also ask!
Claudio Acciaresi June 26, 2009 at 8:24pm
LOL 🙂 Ok! If you have any news just tell me! Jeff, i´m following yout poker series 🙂 they are really cool 🙂
Thanks Claudio! I’ve not heard from the recruiter yet, however.
Note that the poker series is just a bit out of date. It uses JUnit 3.8, and also has no emphasis on BDD.
