Why software ends up complex · Alex Gaynor

The easiest thing always seems to be to add another feature. But each feature you add interacts with other features, often increasing complexity exponentially, not linearly.

simplicity is difficult because there's no room to hide the lack of clear conviction that complexity affords

Simplicity is difficult because most of us are overcompensating for uncertainty. Adding something is easy. But removing something is hard, because it requires conviction. It’s easier to hedge against uncertainty, entertain multiple paths, and dilute your focus than to develop a strong opinion about what to exclude.

Simplicity is difficult because most of us are overcompensating for uncertainty. Adding something is easy. But removing something is hard, because it requires conviction. It’s easier to hedge against uncertainty, entertain multiple paths, and dilute your focus than to develop a strong opinion about what to exclude.