Tell me more ×
Programmers Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for professional programmers interested in conceptual questions about software development. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

Does anyone know of any resource which gives some man-hour ballparks for common types of development projects? I realize it's going to vary wildly by framework/language/the skill levels of the developers, but I'm just looking for something that comes within 50% of the mark. Facing a classic build vs buy vs use open source and I don't want to pick the wrong path.

Thanks!

share|improve this question
Since when does wildly == within 50%? :) – bzlm Oct 31 '11 at 21:44
2  
Skill level alone can account for a 10x difference in execution speed (ie 1000%). Any estimates not based on your actual team are next to useless. – Chris Pitman Oct 31 '11 at 23:57
There are no common development projects, If it was common it, would be in a box! – Morons Dec 1 '11 at 0:54
I don't think that this is answerable, this seems to be a couple of different problems rolled together, you might have more luck if you tackle them one at a time with enough detail to get answers, but not so specific that it wouldn't help anyone else. – DKnight Dec 1 '11 at 16:12
Voting to close, as this is like giving a ballpark estimate for building a house. Varies by contractor, location, tools, environments, quality, testing involved, design meetings, and more. – Ryan Hayes Dec 1 '11 at 16:15

migrated from stackoverflow.com Oct 31 '11 at 22:49

closed as not constructive by DKnight, Ryan Hayes, Dan McGrath, David Thornley, ChrisF♦ Dec 2 '11 at 13:55

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

I'm afraid your question is so non-specific it's going to be impossible for anyone to come with any useful or valid numbers, for exactly the reasons you quote in your question:

it's going to vary wildly by framework/language/the skill levels of the developers

You only have to look at the number of links on these two Wikipedia pages

In terms of general advice: if you are able to use existing code (e.g. Code you've already written, or existing open source tools), then I'd definitely favour that over writing your own.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Our standing policy is any development project takes 3 weeks. Want to change the label on a field? 3 weeks. Want a fully functional clone of ebay? 3 weeks.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.