Wild West to Agile: The evolution and revolution of software development drawn from personal
experience from the Apollo moon mission to digital transformations. In 2023 technology is
your business--no matter what your business. But how did we get here and how could a historical
perspective prepare us for the future? Jim Highsmith tackles the evolution and revolution of
software development embellishes them with personal experiences from the Apollo moon mission
to modern digital transformations and introduces the adventurous pioneers--from structured era
developer Ken Orr to Agile methodologist Kent Beck--who strived to make the world a better
place by building better software. Jim's six-decade career has encompassed the Wild West
(1966-1979) to Structured Methods and Monumental Methodologies (1980s) to the Roots of Agile
(1990s) to the present Agile Era (2001-present). In each era he explores the evolution of
software development methods methodologies and mindsets. Whether you are from the 1970-1980's
generation looking for an I was there too moment a newer generation interested in the
evolution of software development the Agile generation interested in how Agile methodologies
were born and evolved or have a general interest in information technology Wild West to Agile
has something for you. Jim Highsmith is the Forrest Gump of software development. What made the
1994 movie so entertaining was how frequently Forrest found himself in the right spot as
history was being made. Unlike Forrest though Jim's actions influenced that history. --Mike
Cohn cofounder of the Agile Alliance and the Scrum Alliance author of Succeeding with Agile
If you want to understand the shape of software development today this is the book for you. If
you want to understand how to navigate a turbulent career with grace & style this is also the
book for you. If you enjoy memoirs ditto. Enjoy his story. --Kent Beck Chief Scientist
Mechanical Orchard author Extreme Programming Explained This entire journey--beginning with
the Wild West era of software development through the Agile Era to today's Digital
Transformation era--is entirely empowered by people. Thank you Jim for sharing these
beautiful stories and honoring the people that were a part of this amazing journey.--Heidi J.
Musser Vice President and CIO USAA retired I've always felt that understanding history is
important because it's hard to understand where we are unless you understand the path that we
took to get here. Jim's memoir is an entertaining and astute odyssey through this
history.--Martin Fowler Chief Scientist Thoughtworks
