# minimalism

Published articles for minimalism.

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## Why Your Favorite Websites Look Like 2005 (And Why You Secretly Love It)

DevFeed: [Why Your Favorite Websites Look Like 2005 (And Why You Secretly Love It)](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/why-your-favorite-websites-look-like-2005-and-why-you-secretly-love-it-9281.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://webdesignerdepot.com/why-your-favorite-websites-look-like-2005-and-why-you-secretly-love-it/>)

Author: Alex Harper

Published: 2026-07-28T11:30:00Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Web Designer Depot](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/web-designer-depot.md>)

Topics: [Google](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/google.md>), [amazon](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/amazon.md>), [Web Development](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/web-development.md>), [Latency](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/latency.md>), [JavaScript](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/javascript.md>), [Font](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/font.md>)

Tags: [amazon](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/amazon.md>), [amazon-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/amazon-design.md>), [cognitive-load](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cognitive-load.md>), [complexity](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/complexity.md>), [conversion-rate-optimization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/conversion-rate-optimization.md>), [cost](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cost.md>), [customer-trust](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/customer-trust.md>), [data](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/data.md>), [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [design-psychology](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design-psychology.md>), [digital-accessibility](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/digital-accessibility.md>), [digital-marketing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/digital-marketing.md>), [fonts](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/fonts.md>), [functional-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/functional-design.md>), [google](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/google.md>), [google-search](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/google-search.md>), [human-centric-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/human-centric-design.md>), [information-density](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/information-density.md>), [javascript](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/javascript.md>), [latency](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/latency.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [speed](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/speed.md>), [ui](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ui.md>), [user-experience](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/user-experience.md>), [user-interface](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/user-interface.md>), [ux-strategy](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ux-strategy.md>), [ux-usability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ux-usability.md>), [visual-hierarchy](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-hierarchy.md>), [walmart-ecommerce](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/walmart-ecommerce.md>), [web-design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/web-design.md>), [web-performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/web-performance.md>), [website-usability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/website-usability.md>)

### AI overview

This opinion argues that the seemingly dated interfaces of Google, Amazon, and Walmart succeed because they reduce cognitive load, make tasks predictable, and prioritize speed over visual complexity. It contrasts these designs with heavily animated, asset-intensive websites that can delay interaction and frustrate users.

### Source excerpt

Why are the world's most powerful websites still stuck in the early 2000s? While boutique brands chase "sleek" designs that only end up frustrating users, giants like Amazon and Google have realized that "ugly" is actually a superpower for trust and speed.

## Evaluating Container Security with Container Hardening Priorities: Some CHPs for Your SLSA

DevFeed: [Evaluating Container Security with Container Hardening Priorities: Some CHPs for Your SLSA](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/evaluating-container-security-with-container-hardening-priorities-some-chps-for-your-slsa-13031.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/evaluating-container-security-with-container-hardening-priorities-some-chps-for-your-slsa>)

Published: 2025-04-03T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [container-security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/container-security.md>), [container images](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/container-images.md>), [supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/supply-chain-security.md>), [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>)

Tags: [best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/best-practices.md>), [chainguard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard.md>), [chainguard-containers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard-containers.md>), [chainguard-images](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard-images.md>), [chps](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chps.md>), [configuration](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/configuration.md>), [container-hardening-priorities](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/container-hardening-priorities.md>), [container-image](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/container-image.md>), [container-images](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/container-images.md>), [container-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/container-security.md>), [hardening](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hardening.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [provenance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/provenance.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [security-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security-best-practices.md>), [slsa](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/slsa.md>), [standard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/standard.md>), [supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/supply-chain-security.md>), [vulnerabilities](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/vulnerabilities.md>)

### AI overview

Chainguard introduces Container Hardening Priorities (CHPs), a framework for assessing container image security. CHPs complements SLSA and focuses initially on build-time characteristics including minimalism, provenance, configuration and metadata, and vulnerabilities.

### Source excerpt

Chainguard has announced Container Hardening Priorities (CHPs), a new framework to assess the security of container images. Learn how it works.

## Wolfi at work: Minimal developer workstations in the cloud

DevFeed: [Wolfi at work: Minimal developer workstations in the cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/wolfi-at-work-minimal-developer-workstations-in-the-cloud-13338.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/wolfi-at-work-minimal-developer-workstations-in-the-cloud>)

Published: 2024-05-29T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [Cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/cloud.md>), [chainguard](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/chainguard.md>), [Linux](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/linux.md>), [Terraform](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/terraform.md>), [Automation](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/automation.md>), [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>), [Visual Studio Code](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/visual-studio-code.md>), [ssh](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ssh.md>)

Tags: [automation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/automation.md>), [chainguard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard.md>), [ci-cd](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ci-cd.md>), [cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cloud.md>), [developer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/developer.md>), [ephemerality](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ephemerality.md>), [linux](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/linux.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [ssh](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ssh.md>), [terraform](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/terraform.md>), [visual-studio-code](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/visual-studio-code.md>), [wolfi](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/wolfi.md>)

### AI overview

Chainguard describes using minimal Wolfi-based cloud workstations to provide standardized, ephemeral development environments for engineers. The workstations use regularly rebuilt and attested images, automatic timeouts, and Terraform-managed resources to keep packages current and reduce configuration differences.

### Source excerpt

Secure development environments with cloud workstations powered by Chainguard's Wolfi. Learn how to reduce attack surface and improve developer productivity.

## Audited least privilege

DevFeed: [Audited least privilege](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/audited-least-privilege-12893.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/audited-least-privilege>)

Published: 2024-05-13T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>), [Access Control](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/access-control.md>), [IAM](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/iam.md>), [Authorization](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/authorization.md>), [identity and access management](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/identity-and-access-management.md>), [Cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/cloud.md>), [SIEM, Security, Observability](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/siem-security-observability.md>), [supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/supply-chain-security.md>)

Tags: [access-control](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/access-control.md>), [audit](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/audit.md>), [cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cloud.md>), [defense-in-depth](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/defense-in-depth.md>), [ephemerality](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ephemerality.md>), [identity-and-access-management](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/identity-and-access-management.md>), [identity-management](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/identity-management.md>), [least-privilege](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/least-privilege.md>), [logs](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/logs.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [software-supply-chain](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-supply-chain.md>), [software-supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-supply-chain-security.md>), [supply-chain](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/supply-chain.md>), [trust](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/trust.md>)

### AI overview

The article presents audited least privilege as a cloud security model that complements fine-grained IAM grants with fine-grained IAM audit log policies. It emphasizes minimizing access by level, scope, and duration, then monitoring resource access to verify that only expected identities use provisioned resources.

### Source excerpt

Strengthen your software supply chain security with audited least privilege. Learn how Chainguard's approach minimizes risk and enhances trust.

## Avoid exploit chaining threats with Chainguard Images

DevFeed: [Avoid exploit chaining threats with Chainguard Images](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/avoid-exploit-chaining-threats-with-chainguard-images-12894.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/avoid-exploit-chaining-threats-with-chainguard-images>)

Published: 2024-04-23T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [Exploit](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/exploit.md>), [Vulnerabilities](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/vulnerabilities.md>), [chainguard images](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/chainguard-images.md>), [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>), [Chrome](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/chrome.md>), [web applications](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/web-applications.md>), [coding](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/coding.md>), [GitHub](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github.md>)

Tags: [browsers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/browsers.md>), [chainguard-images](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard-images.md>), [chrome](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chrome.md>), [coding](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/coding.md>), [cve](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cve.md>), [distroless](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/distroless.md>), [exploit](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/exploit.md>), [exploit-chaining](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/exploit-chaining.md>), [github](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github.md>), [image-cve](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/image-cve.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [security-best-practices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security-best-practices.md>), [software](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software.md>), [software-supply-chain](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-supply-chain.md>), [software-supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-supply-chain-security.md>), [vulnerabilities](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/vulnerabilities.md>)

### AI overview

The article explains how attackers combine multiple low-severity vulnerabilities into exploit chains that can produce severe compromise. It uses examples involving Pwn2Own devices and a Chrome renderer RCE analysis to emphasize risks from complex software interactions, memory management, and sandbox escapes, and it presents Chainguard Images and secure coding as defensive considerations.

### Source excerpt

Understand exploit chaining -- linking vulnerabilities for devastating attacks. Learn defense strategies with Chainguard Images and secure coding practices.

## Replacing Long-Lived GitHub Personal Access Tokens with Short-Lived Credentials Using Octo STS

DevFeed: [Replacing Long-Lived GitHub Personal Access Tokens with Short-Lived Credentials Using Octo STS](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/the-end-of-github-pats-you-can-t-leak-what-you-don-t-have-13250.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/the-end-of-github-pats-you-cant-leak-what-you-dont-have>)

Published: 2024-04-11T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [GitHub](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github.md>), [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>), [octo sts](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/octo-sts.md>), [GitHub Actions](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-actions.md>), [Authorization](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/authorization.md>)

Tags: [ephemerality](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ephemerality.md>), [github](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github.md>), [github-actions](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-actions.md>), [github-credentials](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-credentials.md>), [github-pat](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-pat.md>), [github-personal-access-token](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-personal-access-token.md>), [least-privilege](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/least-privilege.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [octo-sts](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/octo-sts.md>), [personal-access-token](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/personal-access-token.md>), [principle-of-ephemerality](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/principle-of-ephemerality.md>), [pull-requests](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pull-requests.md>), [rotation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/rotation.md>), [secrets](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/secrets.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [security-token-service](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security-token-service.md>)

### AI overview

This article explains how Chainguard replaced long-lived GitHub Personal Access Tokens and other credentials with short-lived credentials across several GitHub organizations. It introduces Octo STS as a Security Token Service for GitHub credentials and describes the automation use cases that built-in GitHub Actions tokens could not support.

### Source excerpt

Ditch GitHub PATs for better security. Learn how to replace long-lived tokens and reduce your risk of leaked credentials.

## Between Editors and IDEs, Where Zed Falls

DevFeed: [Between Editors and IDEs, Where Zed Falls](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/between-editors-and-ides-where-zed-falls-13428.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://zed.dev/blog/between-editors-and-ides>)

Author: Thorsten Ball

Published: 2024-03-13T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Zed Industries - Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/zed-industries-blog.md>)

Topics: [ide](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ide.md>), [Vim](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/vim.md>), [Emacs](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/emacs.md>), [Ruby](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/ruby.md>)

Tags: [emacs](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/emacs.md>), [ide](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ide.md>), [interviews](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/interviews.md>), [latency](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/latency.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [performance](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/performance.md>), [ruby](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ruby.md>), [vim](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/vim.md>), [vs](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/vs.md>)

### AI overview

An interview with Zed's co-founders explores the product philosophy behind Zed, including where it sits between a lightweight editor and a full IDE. They discuss balancing powerful features with a fast, minimal user experience, as well as approaches to extensibility and scriptability.

### Source excerpt

Thorsten interviews co-founders Nathan, Max, Antonio about the product philosophy behind Zed and how they think about text editing along multiple axes: Emacs vs. Vim, IDE vs. Editor, Batteries included vs. Extensibility.

## Continuous hardening of Chainguard's internal software supply chain

DevFeed: [Continuous hardening of Chainguard's internal software supply chain](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/continuous-hardening-of-chainguard-s-internal-software-supply-chain-13013.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/continuous-hardening-of-chainguards-internal-software-supply-chain>)

Published: 2024-02-21T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [chainguard](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/chainguard.md>), [supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/supply-chain-security.md>), [GitHub Actions](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/github-actions.md>), [Security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/security.md>), [Docker Compose](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/docker-compose.md>), [Terraform](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/terraform.md>)

Tags: [chainguard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard.md>), [cosign](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cosign.md>), [github](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github.md>), [github-actions](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-actions.md>), [github-vulnerability](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/github-vulnerability.md>), [hardending](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hardending.md>), [hardened-images](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hardened-images.md>), [hardening](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/hardening.md>), [integrity](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/integrity.md>), [least-privilege](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/least-privilege.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [software-supply-chain](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-supply-chain.md>), [terraform-provider](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/terraform-provider.md>), [wolfi](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/wolfi.md>)

### AI overview

Chainguard describes how it mitigated a potentially vulnerable GitHub Actions workflow that could have affected the integrity of Docker images signed by its cosign Terraform Provider. The team responded within 24 hours and explains how least privilege, minimal defaults, and dependency minimization support software supply chain security.

### Source excerpt

See how Chainguard mitigated the potential vulnerable GitHub actions workflow "Pwn request" in less than 24 hours.

## Building minimal, up-to-date cloud images with Wolfi

DevFeed: [Building minimal, up-to-date cloud images with Wolfi](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/building-minimal-up-to-date-cloud-images-with-wolfi-12908.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.chainguard.dev/unchained/building-minimal-up-to-date-cloud-images-with-wolfi>)

Published: 2023-12-15T00:00:00Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Chainguard: Unchained](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/chainguard-unchained.md>)

Topics: [Cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/cloud.md>), [container images](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/container-images.md>), [supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/supply-chain-security.md>), [Open Source](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/open-source.md>), [Tooling](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/tooling.md>), [DevOps](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/devops.md>)

Tags: [apk](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/apk.md>), [apko](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/apko.md>), [architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/architecture.md>), [chainguard-academy](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/chainguard-academy.md>), [cloud](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cloud.md>), [common-vulnerabilities-and-exposures](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/common-vulnerabilities-and-exposures.md>), [container](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/container.md>), [container-images](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/container-images.md>), [devops](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/devops.md>), [efficiency](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/efficiency.md>), [kubecon-na](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/kubecon-na.md>), [melange](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/melange.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [open-source](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/open-source.md>), [os](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/os.md>), [packages](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/packages.md>), [security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/security.md>), [software-supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/software-supply-chain-security.md>), [supply-chain-security](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/supply-chain-security.md>), [vulnerabilities](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/vulnerabilities.md>), [wolfi](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/wolfi.md>)

### AI overview

The article introduces Wolfi, an open source project for building minimal, up-to-date cloud and container images. It explains how Wolfi's security-first architecture, proactive updates, minimalism, and supporting tools such as melange, apko, and apk help reduce attack surfaces and CVE exposure while improving software supply chain security.

### Source excerpt

Discover Wolfi OS: Crafting minimal, always up-to-date cloud images for superior security and efficiency in the cloud.

## The Appeal of Small, Simple Programs

DevFeed: [The Appeal of Small, Simple Programs](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/fascinating-little-programs-20665.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<http://antirez.com/news/74>)

Published: 2014-03-13T22:32:59Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Antirez](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/antirez.md>)

Topics: [Code](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/code.md>), [Programming](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/programming.md>), [Refactoring](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/refactoring.md>), [Assembly](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/assembly.md>), [C](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/c.md>), [JavaScript](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/javascript.md>)

Tags: [code](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/code.md>), [creativity](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/creativity.md>), [minimalism](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/minimalism.md>), [programming](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/programming.md>), [pull-requests](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/pull-requests.md>), [refactoring](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/refactoring.md>)

### AI overview

The author reflects on working with linenoise, a small line-editing library, and argues that small programs can offer control, understandability, elegance, and opportunities for creative solutions. The article contrasts focused small code with the complexity of large projects.

### Source excerpt

Yesterday and today I managed to spend some time with linenoise (http://github.com/antirez/linenoise), a minimal line-editing library designed to be a simple and small replacement for readline. I was trying to merge a few pull requests, to fix issues, and doing some refactoring at the same time. It was some kind of nirvana I was feeling: a complete control of small, self-contained, and useful code. There is something special in simple code. Here I'm not referring to simplicity to fight complexity or over engineering, but to simplicity per se, auto referential, without goals if not beauty, understandability and elegance. After all the programming world has always been fascinated with small programs. For decades programmers challenged in 1k or 4k contexts, from the 6502 assembler to today's javascript contests. Even the obfuscated C contest, after all, has a big component in the minimalism. Why is it so great to hack a small piece of code? Yes is small and simple, those are two good points. It can be totally understood, dominated. You can use smartness since little code is the only place of the world where coding smartness will pay off, since in large projects obviousness is far better in the long run. However I believe there is more than that, and is that small programs can be perfect. As perfect as a sonnet composed of a few words. The limits in size and in scope, constitute an intellectual stratagem to avoid the "it may be better" trap, when this better is not actually measurable and evident. Under these strict limits, what the program does is far more interesting than what it does not. Actually the constraints are the more fertile ground for creativity of the solutions, otherwise likely useless: at scale there is always a more correct, understood, canonical way to do everything. There is an interview of Bill Gates in the first years of the Microsoft experience where he describes this feeling when writing the famous Microsoft BASIC interpreter. The limits were the