The Joel Test is a series of 12 steps which, according to software guru Joel Spolsky, every team should follow in order to create successful code. The steps include things like using source control, having a bug database and using the best tools. This session takes a look at how relevant his steps are to PHP development today, and the tools available to help us achieve his recommendations. We’ll look at the packages available for the steps where software can help and discuss ways to implement process and political changes to facilitate some others – finally we’ll talk about which don’t apply and invent some steps to replace them.