>Is the independent developer soon to be done?

It really depends on the type of work you are talking about. For the small/medium size company with centralized managment - one where personal relationships are valued - I think the days of the independent developer are far from over.

For larger apps - and large companies, I think there is a mindset that an independent cannot handle the workload. Sure, an independent can bring in other people. Big companies with large projects don't like this scenario as it tends to not be as formal and as structured as it needs to be. Large consulting shops don't have that "going concern" issue to deal with.

What happens when the independent developer gets sick? Work stops. There is nobody to pick up the slack. While the developer may be the most talented person on the planet, in large scale environments, it simply won't do. Not a personal thing, just business.

Just a few thoughts...

< JVP >