Do you need a layout or design for a small script

Let's say I want to create a multi-user diary. Is it necessary to have the plans laid out? What if you're a pro, wouldn't that make you think you're good enough.

might sound as a dumb question, but i just need some insights.

Most newbies and amateurs prefer to actually waste time by sitting down and planning things out before starting. Real gurus and Pros are able to just begin coding and come out with a finished product like this forum or a pay system for a bank in just a few hours with no planning.

---John Holmes...

Btw, I will disagree with Sepodati here.
I don't think being good at Programming gives you advantage of starting your project development without _planning_! Yeah, you will be able to work even without a proper management but definitely you can do better with planning!

When I say planning your project, I can think of following

1. Gathering requirements and putting it in a document. What I mean by requirements is these are the goals which you want to achieve through your software. This is very very crucial. Check this link to know why.

2. Making a schedule about how you will code to achieve those goals. Scheduling should include time for coding and testing. You should also allocate some time for bug fixing.

Once you have fixed out above mentioned things, you can start working! And yeah, all the best from my side!

JD
P.S.: If you can, Go through all articles at http://www.joelonsoftware.com/navLi...0000000247.html. This should really provide you new insight in world of software development.

I was kidding, btw. Of course you have to plan before you start.

---John Holmes...