On Software, Ships, and Shipping Incrementally

The U.S. Navy's MQ-8C Fire Scout drone exemplifies an incremental approach to development, which contrasts with other recent military projects that have run over budget and schedule due to attempting "great leaps" in technology. The MQ-8C utilizes existing designs from the Bell 407 helicopter and the MQ-8B Fire Scout drone, making modest changes and deploying within a few years. This approach is also applicable in software development, where incrementalism can prevent delays and vaporware by focusing on small, shippable chunks of progress. The article suggests that taking smaller steps does not mean lack of ambition but rather a more efficient path to achieving the ultimate goal.