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by fulafel 1391 days ago
Complexity is inherently problematic - where does the opposite idea stem from?
1 comments

Complexity is inherently problematic

I wouldn't necessarily agree, but curious to hear this thought developed some more, if you'd be willing to indulge me? Maybe I'm missing some implied context here that you have experience with that could change my mind.

where does the opposite idea stem from?

Good question. For me personally, it stems from my subscription to the dichotomy of accidental vs. essential complexity as written about here (and other places) https://simplicable.com/new/accidental-complexity-vs-essenti...

Sometimes complexity is unavoidable, but I don't conflate something being complex with a thing being complicated. Complicated systems I would agree, are inherently problematic.

(also, your username just made me very hungry for a falafel sandwich. Excuse me for a moment)

Our ability to build, understand, analyse, evolve, secure and troubleshoot systems depends on our ability to reason about and understand them. The more complex a system is the less we are able to do the aforementioned things.
This is a wonderful point, and it doesn’t mean that some people can’t hold “all of k8s” in their heads. At least theoretically some can, most can’t.

The simpler a system is, typically the easier it is to explain and maintain. In many businesses that takes a front seat. Some do need this level of complexity though. They’re both valid when applied appropriately.