Canonical Software Engineering Blog Posts

Some blog posts become touchstones, cited for years and shaping how we think about software. They offer lasting advice and unique perspectives. Here are five influential articles that have earned their place in the tech canon, starting with Constantinos Psomadakis’s “The Pendulum of Taste,” which explores how aesthetic trends cycle between nostalgia and futurism.

1. The Pendulum of Taste

Constantinos Psomadakis's essay, "The Pendulum of Taste," available at The Pendulum of Taste, argues that aesthetic trends cycle between nostalgia and futurism rather than progressing linearly. Psomadakis explores this concept through examples like UI design shifts (from iOS 7's flat design to iOS 26's Liquid Glass), the revival of vinyl records, and evolving fashion, introducing "interest decay" and the enduring appeal of timeless design principles embodied by figures like Dieter Rams.

Psomadakis posits that taste operates like a pendulum, swinging between extremes. Movements often begin as reactions to previous trends, eventually overshooting their mark and causing the opposite aesthetic to re-emerge as appealing. He illustrates this with Apple's design evolution, noting how the shift from skeuomorphism to flat design with iOS 7 reshaped digital aesthetics for nearly a decade, only for iOS 26's "Liquid Glass" to reintroduce elements of dimensionality and perceived physicality, signaling a return swing.

This cyclical pattern is not confined to digital interfaces. The resurgence in vinyl record sales, mirroring 1988 revenue levels in 2021, alongside the comeback of film cameras and baggy clothing, demonstrates a broader societal inclination towards the tactile and historical qualities of older mediums. This trend towards retro aesthetics is occurring concurrently with rapid technological advancement, including the widespread adoption of AI and autonomous vehicles, creating an intriguing tension between the digital future and a renewed appreciation for the past.

The concept of "interest decay" explains why trends lose their appeal. Initially signaling individuality, widespread adoption transforms a trend into something ordinary, diminishing its unique signaling value. As novelty fades and a trend becomes mainstream, people seek new ways to differentiate themselves, pushing the pendulum towards a new extreme. This dynamic is visible in the temporary surge of interest in activities like bonsai cultivation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which waned as normal life resumed, highlighting that sustained engagement often requires more than fleeting novelty.

Truly timeless design, as exemplified by Dieter Rams and Jony Ive, achieves longevity not by chasing fleeting fads but by adhering to fundamental principles. Ram's ten principles for good design emphasize longevity and avoiding fashion trends, ensuring that the work remains relevant across different aesthetic cycles. Psomadakis suggests that predicting cultural shifts involves understanding the direction of change—the gradient of the curve—rather than merely observing the current state. This perspective is crucial for navigating the constant motion of the pendulum of taste and maintaining an enduring sense of good design.

2. On the Difficulty of Starting to Code

Jeff Atwood's "On the Difficulty of Starting to Code" argues that the initial barrier for new programmers isn't inherent complexity, but the lack of immediate, visible results. He emphasizes the need for simple, rewarding first steps and quick feedback loops to overcome this inertia, a foundational idea for teaching and onboarding.

3. The Art of Unix Programming

Eric S. Raymond's "The Art of Unix Programming" is a foundational text on Unix philosophy and design. It outlines core principles like simplicity and modularity, influencing how developers build robust and adaptable software.