Do the simplest thing that could possibly work (seangoedecke.com)

Article summary

The article argues that when designing software systems, one should do the simplest thing that could possibly work, rather than trying to create an ideal system. This approach involves understanding the current system deeply and then implementing the simplest solution that meets the requirements. The author believes that this approach can lead to great software design, which looks underwhelming but is actually impressive in its simplicity. The article also discusses potential objections to this approach, such as the risk of creating an inflexible system or not anticipating future requirements.

Main themes

• Simple software design
• Avoiding over-engineering
• Scaling systems
• Maintainability
• Complexity vs simplicity
• Software development principles

What commenters say

• Some commenters agree that simplicity is key, but struggle with determining what simplicity means in practice and how to balance it with other considerations like scalability and reliability.
• Others argue that the simplest solution may not always be the best, as it may not account for future requirements or edge cases, and that some complexity is necessary for robustness and flexibility.
• There is a concern that the pursuit of simplicity can lead to a lack of investment in important features or infrastructure, which can ultimately hinder the system's ability to scale or adapt to changing needs.
• A few commenters suggest that the concept of simplicity is relative and dependent on the specific problem domain and requirements, and that what works for one system may not work for another.
• Some argue that the simplest thing that could possibly work may not be the most efficient or effective solution in the long run, and that a more nuanced approach is needed to balance simplicity with other competing priorities.
• Others propose that simplicity is not just about the technical implementation, but also about the process and methodology used to develop and maintain the system, and that a simple process can lead to a more maintainable and scalable system.