cover of episode DOP 288: The Laws of Software Evolution

DOP 288: The Laws of Software Evolution

2024/11/6
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DevOps Paradox

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D
Darren Pope
V
Viktor Farsen
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Darren Pope和Viktor Farsen讨论了Meir Lehman 44年前发表的关于软件演变的文章。他们分析了文章中提出的五个主要观点:持续变化、复杂性增加、程序演变的基本规律、组织稳定性的守恒以及熟悉性的守恒。他们认为,软件系统会持续变化以适应新的需求,但这种变化往往会导致系统复杂性的增加,从而降低稳定性。增加系统复杂性(例如添加GPU)会降低稳定性。他们还讨论了微服务架构如何影响复杂性和稳定性,以及如何在项目中有效地管理资源。他们认为,虽然软件系统会随着时间的推移变得更加稳定(如果外部条件保持不变,并且没有引入新的需求、用户或功能),但增加组件数量也会降低整体系统的稳定性,这就像玩Jenga游戏一样。他们还讨论了软件需求的挑战,以及如何应对不断变化的需求。他们总结说,莱曼提出的软件演变规律并非永恒不变的,持续变化是唯一始终成立的规律。 Viktor Farsen主要关注软件演变的持续性以及由此带来的复杂性增加。他认为,大多数系统都需要被替换,因为需求会改变。他用汽车和电子产品的例子来说明这一点。他还讨论了程序演变的基本规律,认为程序演变是一个自调节的系统,具有统计上可确定的趋势和不变性。他认为,随着程序的演变,除非采取措施维护或减少复杂性,否则复杂性会不断增加。他还讨论了组织稳定性的守恒,认为项目资源分配存在限制,并且大型项目比小型项目更难发生剧烈变化。最后,他还讨论了熟悉性的守恒,认为软件随着时间的推移会变得更加稳定,但前提是没有引入新的需求、用户或功能。

Deep Dive

Chapters
This chapter explores the evolution of software systems, from simpler, more stable systems of the past to the complex, interconnected systems of today. It examines how the increasing complexity of modern systems affects their stability and maintainability, while also highlighting the continuous change inherent in software development.
  • The increasing complexity of software systems over time.
  • The trade-off between simplicity and functionality.
  • The continuous change inherent in software development.

Shownotes Transcript

#288: Let's journey back in time, roughly 30 to 50 years ago, to an era where systems were relatively simple. These foundational systems were built with fewer components, making them not only easier to understand but also simpler to manage. At that time, the stability of a system was often directly correlated with its simplicity. Fewer variables meant fewer potential points of failure, and system operators could focus on optimizing the core elements. The mantra of the day was straightforwardness and robust design.

Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves surrounded by systems that are more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. While each individual component or subsystem might be meticulously engineered and robust by today's standards, the sheer volume and interconnectedness introduce a new layer of complexity. However, this is not a detriment to technological progress, but rather a testament to our boundless ambition and innovation.

In this episode, Darin and Viktor discuss an article from 44 years ago titled Programs, Life Cycles, and Laws of Software Evolution by Meir Lehman.

 

Laws of Software Evolution

https://matt-rickard.com/laws-of-program-evolution)

 

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