Eberhard Wolff
There is no such thing as future-proof architecture! Here is how to prepare for it.
#1about 2 minutes
The myth of future-proof software architecture
The common belief that architecture should be future-proof is a flawed conclusion drawn from the fact that architectural decisions are hard to change.
#2about 3 minutes
A case study of a failed migration project
A real-world project failed because the team discovered their initial migration plan was flawed only after the project began, highlighting the danger of rigid upfront plans.
#3about 3 minutes
Why architecture must evolve iteratively
Architecture must be iterative because domain models evolve, requirements change, and developers continuously learn and improve their skills.
#4about 3 minutes
Starting projects with domain prototyping
Instead of over-planning, start with domain prototyping to focus on business logic first and defer technology decisions to the last responsible moment.
#5about 6 minutes
Moving beyond YAGNI with a goal-oriented approach
While YAGNI was a useful counter to big upfront design, a better approach is to navigate immediate requirements while always keeping the long-term project goal in view.
#6about 5 minutes
The danger of a future-proof mindset
Aiming for a future-proof architecture creates a reluctance to make necessary changes, leading to a messy system as new features are forced into an outdated structure.
#7about 4 minutes
Letting the business domain drive the design
Effective architecture is not about abstract technical diagrams but about creating a structure that clearly reflects the business domain and its processes.
#8about 3 minutes
A pragmatic view on technology choices
Preparing for technology changes by creating technology-independent code is often unnecessary, as major technology shifts usually coincide with required changes to the business logic.
#9about 2 minutes
Conclusion: Embrace change and focus on the domain
The key to long-term project success is not a future-proof plan but an adaptable architecture that is driven by the domain and accepts the limited lifespan of technologies.
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