Final answer:
The practice of less code in lean methods requires that each line of code justifies its existence by aligning with current project requirements, and is supported by the use of short iterations or sprints to evaluate the necessity and direction of the project continuously.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lean Methods and Code Efficiency
The practice of less code in lean methods requires that all new code be justified such that it directly supports the project's current requirements. In lean programming, the focus is not necessarily on using more efficient programming languages but rather on ensuring that every line of code has a purpose and directly contributes to the functionality required at the moment. This ties into the lean principle of eliminating waste, which in this context refers to any code that does not add value to the project.
Moreover, the requirement for justifying new code aligns with the practice of short iterations or sprints, another cornerstone of agile methodologies, which lean development is a part of. These sprints allow teams to continually assess the project's direction and the necessity of the code being produced. While less coding time may lead to fewer programming person-hours, it is not so much about cost-effectiveness in terms of programmer cost. It's more about maximizing value with the resources at hand.