Software Estimation Is Hard. Do It Anyway

Jacob Kaplan-Moss's argument for why engineers should embrace rather than avoid software estimation despite its difficulty. He acknowledges the challenges - IT projects frequently exceed budgets and schedules, captured by Hofstadter's Law that 'it always takes longer than expected, even accounting for Hofstadter's Law.' However, estimation remains necessary because precise timelines are sometimes critical for business needs, accurate estimates build trust with managers and peers, and as he notes, 'One major secret to advancing in a technical career is learning how to give accurate estimates.' His recommendations: view estimation as a learnable skill, practice breaking down projects, review estimates against actual outcomes, learn from past experiences, and recalibrate based on real-world performance. The key message: while estimation is difficult, professionals should develop it as a critical competency through consistent practice and reflection rather than avoiding it.