The Java Development Roadmap

Thanks to extensive hands-on experience that was built up throughout the years, Jintec has created its own RUP-based methodology: the Java Development Roadmap (JDR).

This JDR is a pragmatic subset of the Rational Unified Process, combined with best-of-breed Agile methodologies, such as incremental, iterative and test-driven development.

Next to the JDR, Jintec also offers extensive Scrum expertise. Indeed: all of the Jintec employees are Certified Scrum Masters and have hands-on experience in Scrum-based Java development projects.

The Java Development Roadmap (JDR)

The JDR is a pragmatic subset of the Rational Unified Process, combined with best-of-breed Agile methodologies, such as incremental, iterative and test-driven development. Jintec developed the JDR because:

  • RUP is too “heavy” for the average Java project. Indeed, there are too many rules that need to be followed, documents that have to be written and follow-up that has to be done. Let’s face the facts: not every Java application is a 1000+ mandays project with different complex back-ends, several operating systems and multiple software languages that need to be seamlessly integrated.
  • RUP is not Java specific: several RUP artifacts and activities are irrelevant to Java projects.
  • RUP was designed to be customized in the first place.

JDR Lifecycle

The JDR subset is much more lightweight and flexible, which makes it applicable to both small and large Java projects. The spirit of RUP was kept though and even extended with the best practices of Agile methodologies. Summarized, JDR is about:

  • Documentation as a core deliverable
  • Requirements as the main driver of the project
  • Risk-management: highest risks are tackled upfront
  • Based on the industry best practices
  • UML as a visual modeling language
  • Iterations: complete functionality is delivered in well-defined chunks, allowing transparency and constant feedback to the customer
  • Test-driven development: guarantees higher quality

Although mature, the JDR is not static: it is constantly fine-tuned as Java evolves and the market changes.

Jintec does not sell the JDR as a product. We only try to apply its principles when and if we can, in both our consultancy assignments and tailor-made/co-sourced software projects.

Support the customer’s methodology

Obviously Jintec does not force its customers to adapt to the JDR. We also support the most common Project Management methodologies such as Prince2 and PMBok, along with Agile development methodologies such as Scrum and XP. All of the Jintec employees are Certified Scrum Masters and have hands-on experience in Scrum-based Java development projects.