The KISS principle

The KISS principle, which stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid,” is a design philosophy that emphasizes the importance of keeping things simple and straightforward. This principle is particularly relevant in the world of programming, where complex code can lead to bugs, confusion, and slow development time.

Here are some examples of how the KISS principle can be applied in C++:

• Avoid Overcomplicating Code: In C++, it’s easy to get carried away with complex algorithms, data structures, and design patterns. However, these advanced techniques can lead to code that is harder to understand and debug. Instead, try to simplify the code as much as possible. For example, using a simple for loop instead of a complex algorithm can often be just as effective and much easier to understand.
• Keep Functions Small: Functions in C++ should be small, focused, and easy to understand. Complex functions can quickly become difficult to maintain and debug, so try to keep functions as simple and concise as possible. A good rule of thumb is to aim for functions that are no longer than 30-50 lines of code.
• Use Clear and Concise Variable Names: In C++, variable names play a crucial role in making code readable and understandable. Avoid using abbreviations and instead opt for clear and concise names that accurately describe the purpose of the variable.
• Avoid Deep Nesting: Nested loops and conditional statements can make code hard to read and follow. Try to keep the nesting levels as shallow as possible, and consider breaking up complex functions into smaller, simpler functions.
• Write Simple, Readable Code: Above all, aim to write code that is easy to understand and follow. This means using clear and concise language and avoiding complicated expressions and structures. Code that is simple and easy to follow is much more likely to be maintainable and bug-free.
• Avoid Complex Inheritance Hierarchy: Complex inheritance hierarchies can make code more difficult to understand, debug, and maintain. The more complex the inheritance structure, the harder it becomes to keep track of the relationships between classes and determine how changes will affect the rest of the code.

In conclusion, the KISS principle is a simple and straightforward design philosophy that can help developers write clear, concise, and maintainable code. By keeping things simple, developers can avoid bugs and confusion and speed up development time.

The KISS and SOLID Principles together

The SOLID principles and the KISS principle are both important design philosophies in software development, but they can sometimes contradict each other.

The SOLID principles are a set of five principles that guide the design of software, aimed at making it more maintainable, scalable, and flexible. They focus on creating a clean, modular architecture that follows good object-oriented design practices.

The KISS principle, on the other hand, is all about keeping things simple. It advocates for straightforward, simple solutions, avoiding complex algorithms and structures that can make code hard to understand and maintain.

While both SOLID and KISS aim to improve software quality, they can sometimes be at odds. For example, following the SOLID principles may result in code that is more complex and harder to understand to achieve greater modularity and maintainability. Similarly, the KISS principle may result in less flexible and scalable code to keep it simple and straightforward.

In practice, developers often have to strike a balance between the SOLID principles and the KISS principle. On the one hand, they want to write code that is maintainable, scalable, and flexible. On the other hand, they want to write code that is simple and easy to understand. Finding this balance requires careful consideration of trade-offs and an understanding of when each approach is most appropriate.

When I have to choose between the SOLID and KISS approaches, I think about something my boss, Amir Taya, said, “When building a Ferrari, you need to start from a scooter.” This phrase is an exaggerated example of KISS: if you do not know how to build a feature, make the simplest working version (KISS), re-iterate, and extend the solution using SOLID principles if needed.