Anti-IF Journey with Francesco

Anti-IF Programming: A Three-Stage Journey with Francesco

Hey everyone! I'm Francesco Cirillo. Yes, the guy behind Extreme Programming and the Pomodoro Technique. But today, I want to share how a tiny "IF" made a bit of a splash in the software world.

Stage One: The Awakening (2007 - 2011)

Imagine walking into a room full of developers and shouting: "Enough with the IFs!". That’s pretty much what I did at an XP Conference. In no time, a bunch of developers started jumping on board, donning a badge, and saying: "I'm against wild IFs too!". And not just any developers, but big shots like Kent Beck and Craig Larman.

Stage Two: Roll Up Your Sleeves (2011 - 2023)

Okay, the provocation worked. So, why not put it to the test? Enter the Anti-IF Workshop! Every session was a new challenge, trying to dodge "IFs" like they were out to get us. And the best part? The sales from the workshops and T-shirts helped us fund free lectures at universities. A true win-win!

Stage Three: It's Not Just the IF, It's the Mindset! (2023 - Now)

This is where things get spicy. We're not just talking about dodging an "IF" here and there; it's about how we approach software. The real challenge? The IF Strategy. That knee-jerk reaction to slap an "IF" whenever we're under the gun. And changing that? No walk in the park!

In a Nutshell: This is our story. It's not just about code; it's about how we look at problems and find smarter solutions. And if you think it's all about an "IF", think again! ;)