The article explores three distinct notions of software complexity from Rich Hickey, John Ousterhout, and Zach Tellman, highlighting their definitions and implications. Hickey emphasizes simplicity through focus, Ousterhout relates complexity to dependencies and obscurity, while Tellman frames it as the sum of explanations tailored to audience expectations. The discussion reveals the interconnections and nuances in understanding software complexity.

Over-engineering occurs when software architecture prioritizes complexity over simplicity, often driven by trends, resume-driven development, and misaligned incentives. This approach can lead to slower delivery, increased fragility, and ultimately fails to address real user needs. Emphasizing simplicity and context-aware design can foster more effective and resilient systems.