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About this quote

What does it mean?
Complexity is inevitable for most, but exceptional engineers can eliminate it entirely.
In plain terms
Most people deal with complexity, but the best ones get rid of it.
What can you take from it?
Strive to eliminate complexity rather than just manage it.

Where it applies

  • system design
  • code review
  • architecture planning

Putting it to work

  • refactor legacy code
  • simplify APIs
  • remove unnecessary features

Questions to consider

  • Where does complexity hide in your current project?
  • How can you remove it?

Another view

Eliminating complexity can sometimes require significant upfront effort.

More from Alan Perlis

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  2. I think it is inevitable that people program poorly. Training will not substantially help matters. We have to learn to live with it.

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  3. Don't have good ideas if you aren't willing to be responsible for them.

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