Software Entropy

Software entropy refers to the amount of disorder present in a system.

Entropy usually creeps in by way of logical inconsistencies at the thought-level, even before any tangible work begins to implement said system. As the system and its parts are developed, these logical inconsistencies manifest themselves in various forms of errors of all sizes. The smallest ones considered negligible are typically the clichéd primordial stew of chaos in software systems.

When coupled with what's frequently unfortunate timing of most software development schedules, the hacks we are forced to place into the system here and there by necessity of meeting some established deadline further exacerbate the condition.

Now plagued with such level of anomalies any additional issues encountered are prevented from meeting their resolutions simply because it's no longer feasible.

They say, only two things are certain in life: Death and taxes; well... in software Chaos reigns supreme if unchecked and snipped in the bud. Entropy is contagious.

What's the moral of the story kids?

 

冰冻三尺，非一日之寒
Three-feet of ice didn't result from one day of freezing weather.

 

Do the job right the first time or don't do it at all.
Better yet, get out of the way of anyone who's trying to do the job right the first time.