Too Long; Didn't Read
The first time you finish a piece of software you've estimated, you discover a harsh reality... software estimates are hard. Hofstadter's Law: It always takes longer than you expect, even when you take into account Hofstadters' Law. An estimate does NOT imply a commitment. It represents the most well-informed guess you can make with the given restrictions of time and knowledge. This difference is often overlooked and can be the source of conflict and frustration. It is crucial to understand how estimates fit into the bigger picture of your organization, which helps inform different stakeholders' decisions.