Beware the Complexity Merchants: Simplicity Trumps All
2025-05-25
This article explores the dangers of 'accidental complexity' in software development. The author argues that some engineers, driven by ego or self-preservation, deliberately introduce unnecessary complexity to control projects and secure more resources. These 'complexity merchants' hinder team velocity, increase maintenance costs, and ultimately damage business value. The author advises vigilance against this behavior, advocating for simple, reliable solutions and requiring engineers to clean up old complexity before introducing new complexities, ensuring systems are easily maintainable and transferable. Simple, maintainable systems are key to creating true value.
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Development