Contracts Quote by Kent Beck
““Write contracts for software development that fix time, costs, and quality but call for an ongoing negotiation of the precise scope of the system. Reduce risk by signing a sequence of short contracts instead of one long one.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Extreme Programming Explained, 1999
Software contracts should be short, focused, and adaptable, allowing continuous renegotiation to manage risk effectively.
In simple terms: Use short, flexible contracts.
Adopt iterative contracting.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- project kickoff
- contract renewal
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks arise from frequent contract changes?
- How to balance flexibility with stability?
Short contracts may miss long‑term strategic goals.