Looking for a program that is specifically designed to help me lay out
a software project for a programmer.  One that makes his job easier to
make from the designs and specification to its functionality.  I am
not looking for a project management program, but one specifically
made for this purpose.  I am also looking for a place or book that
gives hints and recommendations on hiring a freelance programmer to
include legal etc....and if someone has some advice on using the
"renta programmer" type sites or to hire one here in the USA.

Thanks

JT

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Clarification of Question by jefftappan-ga on 31 Jan 2005 22:35 PST

Would like to clarify.  I am looking for a program to help me automate
laying out my software design, not just directions.

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Clarification of Question by jefftappan-ga on 14 Feb 2005 16:09 PST

rolanto,

Thanks, this is good adivice.  

Jeff

Visual Studio Professional from Microsoft is a great IDE for programming.

You should mistrust any program that claims to do that. There are
techniques that help you, but they are not very easy to master. UML is
the dominant technique for helping you think in terms of the right
structures. It should help you think about what kind of software you
want, and it should help in conveying that to a possible programmer.

A tool that can assist you in `thinking UML' is Rational Rose.

I always talk talk talk to people who want me to make software. I as a
programmer know how to ask the right questions -- I found no technique
or program ever that was able to do the same. Unless you are a
programmer yourself, don't invest the time in trying to think like
one. Rather, find a developer that you trust understands your ideas
and structure your thoughts together.

It's like building a house; the architect won't expect the plumbing
and wiring diagrams from you. That's his job; you should focus on what
kind of house you would like and how many bathrooms.