Code Rewrites: Magic Wand vs. Iterative Improvement

This article explores the pros and cons of code rewrites. Using Netscape's failure as an example, the author argues that rewriting isn't always the best approach. Instead of large-scale rewrites, maintain idealism, imagine a perfect solution (wave a magic wand), and then iteratively improve the existing code. By distinguishing between necessary and accidental complexity, identify improvement directions and continually reflect on "If I could wave a magic wand, what would I want it to be?", ultimately reaching the ideal state.