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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matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from a suburb of Chicago.
Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.
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