Latest Posts - Page 57 of 198

April 5, 2022March 24, 2022 Architecture Patterns and Anti-Patterns

Keep It Simple – A Pattern To Avoid Complexity

We return to pick up a couple of new patterns. In this episode, we look at the keep it simple pattern and how to apply it to architecture. It is a pattern that we often overlook. However, it is an essential piece of many successful solutions. It is the heart of our desire to break complex things down into small pieces we can tackle. The Keep It Simple Pattern Defined We run into this pattern, or mentions of it, in many areas of life. Software architecture is no exception. When we face a decision to build a complex solution or a simpler one, we want to choose simplicity. Yes, complex solutions can be fun to tackle and impressive. However, they... Read more

March 31, 2022March 19, 2022 Architecture Patterns and Anti-Patterns

Misdirection Anti-Pattern : Solving The Wrong Problem

We looked at an incorrect focus based on faulty data analysis in our prior episode. This time we explore solving the wrong problem with the misdirection anti-pattern. While this situation can arise from the data bigotry anti-pattern, it is often a failure to grasp requirements fully. It is a problem that comes from improper focus and lack of communication. Those are two prevalent weaknesses in a project that lead to challenges and even failure. The Misdirection Anti-Pattern Defined This anti-pattern is simply defined. We are not solving the correct problem. Yes, there is a problem described, and it might even be correctly addressed. However, it is a red herring of sorts and not what we need to solve to make... Read more

March 29, 2022March 19, 2022 Architecture Patterns and Anti-Patterns

Statistical Bigotry – Placing An Incorrect Emphasis

This podcast season is a great excuse to highlight new anti-patterns. We look at a new one we call statistical bigotry in this episode. That is an excellent emotional word and a common challenge across many areas of problem-solving and debate. This anti-pattern appears when we give too much weight to our data and improperly use statistics. Statistical Bigotry Defined We use data and facts to support our decisions regularly. However, we can not blindly use data in this way. We need to ensure the basis for our decision is based on overall reality instead of a small subset. When we improperly use a small subset to assume the whole, we are committing statistical bigotry. The issue may arise from... Read more

March 24, 2022March 11, 2022 Architecture Patterns and Anti-Patterns

Stovepipe Enterprise – The Patchwork Anti-Pattern

We have highlighted many areas of quality software development. However, the stovepipe enterprise is a maintenance anti-pattern. This situation occurs when we build a system that has a high maintenance cost. Even worse, maintenance often requires to be done quickly and more as a patch than a build. Therefore, we produce a house of cards that becomes more fragile as time goes by. Stovepipe Enterprise Defined Stovepipes are historically a form of a kludge. Wood-burning stoves needed a way to get rid of the exhaust, and it goes through the pipe. However, the material often wears down a stovepipe quickly, and it is patched with whatever materials are available rather than replaced. We see this in software solutions when we... Read more

March 22, 2022March 11, 2022 Architecture Patterns and Anti-Patterns

Warm Bodies – A Subtraction By Addition Anti-pattern

The “warm bodies” anti-pattern is sometimes subtle. However, it can be frustrating and sink more than a project. This approach is based on the fallacy that more developers or resources will create better software sooner. Instead, the reality is closer to the idea of getting nine women to give birth to a baby in one month. Warm Bodies Defined This anti-pattern is an attempt to work faster or get a project back on track by adding resources. It often is identified by a manager hiring more team members to address complex or time-consuming parts of a project. Unfortunately, architecture is not immune to this. The challenge comes when the architecture is complex, and there is a temptation to fix that... Read more

March 17, 2022March 5, 2022 Architecture Patterns and Anti-Patterns

Vendor Lock-in : A Limiting Anti-Pattern

This episode covers the vendor lock-in anti-pattern. It is another one that we have seen before. However, it is slightly different when you apply it to software architecture. This situation is fascinating as we can fall into it thinking we are making the best decisions. However, comfort and ease are not always the best way to assess our solution. Vendor Lock-in Defined This anti-pattern occurs when we craft an architecture that hinges on a vendor or third-party product. Sometimes the vendor is an open-source tool or approach. While that is far better and can save us from being locked into their solution, it is still important to recognize. We will be better off when we are free to craft... Read more