ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the question of how expert software professionals accomplish their tasks and how they meet the complex requirements typical for their work situation. By adopting the expertise research framework (Ericsson & Smith, 1991), high and moderate performers are compared. Two empirical studies provided evidence that high and moderate performers differ in their approach to task accomplishment: High performers put more emphasis on problem comprehension, preparatory activities, local planning, and feedback seeking. Moreover, high performers engage more in communication activities. It is interesting that high and moderate performers do not differ with respect to years of professional experience. This chapter suggests that aspects of experience other than just many years in the field might be more important for high performance.
