Change During Development Is Inevitable

Software will change during development! The changes might be refactoring code, adding new tests, changing requirements, or adding new requirements. The changes could be as simple as fixing bugs, or general improvements.

Prepare yourself for changes by making sure:

• that all software development is appropriately cross-referenced,
• Record Why Requirements Were Included
• Trace Design to Requirements
• Trace Tests to Requirements
• that change management procedures are in place, and
• Establish SCM Procedures Early*
• Give Every Intermediate Product a Name and Version*
• Rank and Schedule Change Requests*
• that budgets and schedules have enough leeway so that you are not tempted to ignore necessary changes just to meet budgets and schedules.
• Don't Set Unrealistic Deadlines*
• Avoid the Impossible*
• Avoid Standing Waves*

Reference:
Bersoff, E., V. Henderson, and S. Siegel, Software Configuration Management, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1980, Section 2.2.