Question

What is complexity why is software inherently complex?

Answer 1

We do realize that some software systems are not complex. These are the largely forgettable applications that are specified, constructed, maintained, and used by the same person, usually the amateur programmer or the professional developer working in isolation. This is not to say that all such systems are crude and inelegant, nor do we mean to belittle their creators. Such systems tend to have a very limited purpose and a very short life span. We can afford to throw them away and replace them with entirely new software rather than attempt to reuse them, repair them, or extend their functionality. Such applications are generally more tedious than difficult to develop; consequently, learning how to design them does not interest us.