There is a lot of debate in the Software Craftsmanship Arena these days. Craftsmen are trying to formulate a form of manifesto that explains what software development means for an accomplished craftsman.

This simple task of writing down what we believe in as craftsmen seems an easy endeavor at first; thee shall be fooled though!

The Craftsmanship Paradigm opens up many loose ends and questions. Why was craftsmanship abandoned? Should there be a guild system for us craftsmen? How do we recognize a craftsman when we see him?

Personally I don’t believe much in rigid institutions that impose laws on people, so by nature I am adversed to the idea of converting the craft of software into an institutionalized conglomerate. On the other hand, if we think about it, no one says that there must be a guild. Thinking about it I could see NexWerk as something similar to a guild in the middle ages, although not as rigid

The idea comes from having a common ground where to share ideas, programs and their sources in order to learn the craft better. I personally think that this could work if there is positive feedback and a group of people that believes in the core ideas and values of the craft… but what are they?

Let me try:

The Software Craftsmanship Manifesto

As aspiring Software Craftsmen we are uncovering ways to raise the bar of professional software development.

• We are proud of our work and take responsibility for the code we write.
• We follow a set of practices and disciplines that ensure the quality in our work.
• We live and work in a community of craftsmen.
• We will help other craftsmen in their journey.
• We are proud of our portfolio of successful projects.
• We can point to people who influenced us and who we influenced.
• We can say NO to prevent doing harm to our craft and it’s reputation.

This manifesto (or rather this first trial) is inspired by the Original Software Craftsmanship Charter.

One last question here is if we as craftsmen really want a Manifesto or over-explain and over emphasize  the craftsmen vows or whatever that is.

Personally I think a craftsman does his work at the best of his knowledge and makes his craft of choice a passion for life striving to become better every day.

Reading the above makes me unsure if we really need a manifesto of sorts…