The Most Valuable Code Is the Code You Never Write
Discover the power of "You Ain't Gonna Need It" (YAGNI) in system design. Learn why avoiding "future-proofing" and focusing on immediate value leads to simpler, more effective solutions and faster delivery in engineering.
Unpopular opinion: The most valuable code is often the code you never write.
It's tempting to build for every "what if" scenario. We call it future-proofing, but in reality, it's often just gold-plating that adds unnecessary complexity and significantly slows down delivery. As engineers, our instinct is often to anticipate every possible need and build a robust, all-encompassing solution. However, this often leads to over-engineered systems that are harder to maintain, understand, and evolve.
My favorite system design principle, and one I champion relentlessly, is YAGNI: You Ain't Gonna Need It.
It's a simple, pragmatic filter that can save countless hours and prevent significant technical debt. Before you embark on building a complex feature or adding an intricate piece of infrastructure, ask yourself this crucial question: "Do we need this right now to deliver value?"
If the answer is no, then don't build it.
Solving today's problem with a simple, elegant solution is almost always better than attempting to solve a hypothetical future problem with a complex one. The future is uncertain, requirements change, and what seems essential today might be irrelevant tomorrow. By adhering to YAGNI, you focus on delivering immediate, tangible value, keeping your codebase lean, maintainable, and agile enough to adapt when real needs emerge.
What are your thoughts on YAGNI? Do you find it challenging to resist the urge to "future-proof"?
