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05 Software Design and Architecture

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05 System Design Tradeoffs

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01 Concept

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Simplicity vs Flexibility

Simplicity vs Flexibility

Feb 10, 20261 min read

  • tradeoffs
  • simplicity
  • flexibility

Simplicity vs Flexibility

← Back to Fundamental Tradeoffs

Generic systems handle more cases but are harder to understand and maintain. Simple, focused solutions are easier to build, debug, and operate, but may need replacement when requirements change significantly.

Key Properties

  • Accidental Complexity
  • Essential Complexity
  • Generalization Cost

Related

  • KISS (favor simplicity)
  • YAGNI (don’t over-generalize)

tradeoffs simplicity flexibility


Graph View

  • Simplicity vs Flexibility
  • Key Properties
  • Related

Backlinks

  • Fundamental Tradeoffs
  • Accidental Complexity
  • Essential Complexity

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