The term Spike Solution is associated in my mind with the early days of Extreme Programming.  I’m sure that it is built from prior ideas, as everything seems to be. If the term and the concept it describes predates the Chrysler C3 project (Ron Jeffries mentions using it there), I’ve not yet uncovered it. Ron credits Ward Cunningham for the term.  I’m sure there are predecessors, even if not expressed as distinctly.

The goal of a spike solution is to answer a question. For example, a spike may be used to test the feasibility of an algorithm or 3rd party library. It may be used to explore design alternatives for solving a sticky problem.  It’s called a spike because it drives all the way through the problem, but as narrowly focused as possible. It’s not a complete implementation. Associated complexity that is secondary to the question is likely stubbed out to reduce the clutter and increase the focus. Read More