Minimalism is the way to better software architecture.

Developing things can get pretty tricky. You try to plan for everything, but out of nowhere, unexpected issues pop up. It's impossible to be 100% sure everything will go exactly as planned. The only sure thing is that something's bound to go wrong.

Integrating helpful elements into your process and code is crucial to handle potential issues. We've already discussed in previous posts a few aspects that can streamline the coding process, and testing is one of them.

But there's much more ground to cover. Typically, entropy in a project tends to escalate as time progresses. To control it and make it more manageable, various techniques come into play. One such approach worth exploring is the pursuit of minimalism. Let's delve into that topic here.

Minimalism in coding is all about crafting software without unnecessary complications, redundant abstractions, or chunks of code that don't pull their weight. It's the pursuit of simplicity and efficiency in the coding realm.

The significance of minimalism in coding lies in its ability to decrease entropy in a project by trimming down complexity. Since the human brain struggles to grasp overly intricate software, reducing incomprehensibility helps to counter rising entropy. Elevated entropy often translates to increased expenses for projects, given the surge in bugs and unpredictable obstacles. Minimalism acts as a strategic ally in keeping things manageable and costs in check.

Writing redundant code not only adds unnecessary complexity but also consumes more time. The more time we spend on redundant code, the higher the overall cost of the project. It's like paying extra for something that doesn't contribute significantly to the project's success. Embracing minimalism in coding helps optimize time, reduce costs, and ensures that every line of code serves a meaningful purpose.

Reducing redundant code and simplifying complexities sounds like a good plan. Now, the question is, how do we make it happen?

These are a few essential aspects to achieve it:

• Stay mindful of abstractions in the project
• Be aware of the architectural requirements and their boundaries
  
• Use a ubiquitous language to ensure that all your coded elements have a real-world counterpart and serve a purpose in the code base, particularly when creating new abstractions
  
• Exercise caution when utilizing external libraries; opt for ones that are both flexible and well-maintained
  

Typically, integrating these principles results in improved software design. As a dedicated development team, we've embraced this as a fundamental core principle.

However, there is a significant drawback to consider. I've seen many situations where the abstract nature of these concepts led to the unintentional creation of a cumbersome design, often resulting in over-engineering or something that wasn't sufficiently flexible.

Effectively applying these concepts requires a considerable amount of practice.