Design Challenges

File Sharing

No, I'm not referring to peer to peer software here, nor Kazaa, Napster or the likes; I'm writing about sharing files with your fellow colleagues. A lot of you work in a team environment where more than one person works on the same files. Simply put, you're not the only one that works in a file so respect what others do.

For instance, if your team works off a server, then make sure you get the latest version of the file before you perform your updates. This will prevent you from overwriting someone else's work. At the same time, notify your fellow team mates that you are working on a file if you think that it might take more time than expected, this way they are aware and won't make any changes to a file if you are working within it.

If the changes you are making or have made affect something more than your work, be sure you notify everybody who is affected, this will ensure that everyone tests their files and will provide for a bug free design and development.

The bottom line is that in a team environment is very hard to maintain files, therefore if you do not have a content management system, then you must ensure that you and your team take the up most precautions as to prevent irreparable damages. If you work in a large scale Web site, then maybe is time you start shopping around for a CMS.