The big ball of mud
The Big Ball of Mud is a fascinating concept in software development. If you’re not a developer, you may picture a software development project as an elegant exercise in architecture. That’s rarely the case. Most software, as well as most complex systems—especially those involving people and creativity—look just like big balls of mud under the hood. Budgets, priorities, deadlines, skills, and resources are usually the culprits.
And yet, however messy, Big balls of mud work. And because they do, it is unthinkable to just throw them away and start from scratch. How would you even do that? Any system that’s large and old enough holds too many mysteries.
Draw your own parallels here. I’m sure you’ll find that you have your own mudballs to handle. Although playing the architect is fun, getting your hands dirty often yields more practical and immediate results.
Oh this is nice. I haven't heard that term despite being hitched to a software builder. But I love this concept because things are never perfect and it's always messy and I think this is more and more true. Being able to live in the mess while still being able to build towards your vision is a critical skill. I used to think that starting over was an opportunity to build perfection. I no longer feel that way, nor is perfection what I care to aim for. I now cultivate my capacity for grit.