Some software bloat is OK
6 months ago
- #bloat
- #software-development
- #optimization
- Software efficiency is often overlooked due to fast CPUs and cheap memory.
- Historical constraints led to optimized, low-level programming in the 1970s-80s.
- Modern software uses higher-level languages and frameworks, increasing bloat.
- Examples show significant bloat: Windows 11 Calculator vs. Windows 95, Super Mario Bros. vs. a WebP image.
- Bloat is partly a tradeoff for features like security, globalization, and maintainability.
- Some bloat results from incompetence, laziness, or over-engineering (e.g., microservices, excessive dependencies).
- Critical areas (codecs, compressors, VMs) still require optimization.
- Premature optimization is harmful, but delaying it can also cause problems.
- Moderate bloat enables innovation, but excessive bloat is detrimental.