[xdc55]

It is much easier to prove a particular program function correct when complexity is properly handled, this is the true art of programming, handling complexity in a way that makes sense.

Many complex phenomena in nature is explained by very simple mathematical equations, likewise great engineering design is achieved when there is nothing else to remove, and in order to achieve those results, a great deal of effort and thinking has to happen first.

The thing is, as the author put out, the environment is just too hostile in order to design beautiful programs, from the insane expectations of what can be done, to incompetent peers, politics, distractions and what not.

If you are skilled, you can define a problem in a precise way, be able to dissect it in smaller problems, solve them and prove the solution correct.

What is ultimately hard is how to handle the hostile environment you're usually stuck with.