E.W.Dijkstra's views on simplicity versus complexity in software development and technology.

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E.W. Dijkstra expressed that while simplicity is a significant virtue in software development, achieving it requires considerable hard work and education. He pointed out that complexity often sells better, leading to a prevalence of intricate systems that may exploit users rather than serve their needs. Many commenters echoed his sentiments, noting that creating simple software is more challenging than building complex systems, especially due to the constant need for updates and changes in technology. There's a view that the tech industry's landscape is muddied by poor design, which complicates systems unnecessarily, thus perpetuating complexity. While simplifying systems is an admirable goal, it often conflicts with business realities and user expectations that lean towards complexity. Commenters reflected on how this notion resonates with current trends, including the overwhelming complexity found in contemporary system design, such as microservices and the AI movement.
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