Understanding Constraints from the Start

When developing software, we often find ourselves working within strict limits. These constraints may encompass business needs, available technologies, team skills, and project timelines. Just as a haiku poet must consider their constraints, so too must software engineers; overlooking these boundaries can hinder the intended outcome. Rather than dismissing limitations, strive to craft something impactful within them.

Making Strong Initial Choices

The initial phases of a project offer considerable freedom, much like a blank canvas to an artist. Many developers begin with unstructured code, intending to refine it later, yet this often leads to unfinished or messy code with permanent placeholder comments.

The haiku method emphasizes making deliberate and thoughtful choices early on, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent work. Avoid creating a codebase that resembles:

Something something // TODO

the mirror I stare into

shows my father's face

Emphasizing Simplicity

Complexity can derail a software project. A haiku is stripped of unnecessary elements, and your code should reflect this same clarity. Complexity can obscure maintainability and conceal bugs, so it's crucial to strive for simplicity.

Achieving simplicity is not always straightforward; it can be easier to overcomplicate than to find clean, efficient solutions. Nonetheless, investing the effort to streamline your code will pay off in the long run.

Nurturing Creativity

Writing software is akin to an art form, demanding creativity, sound judgment, and considerable effort. If you lack interest in the project or medium, that disinterest will manifest in the final product. By embracing the creative challenges that a haiku writer encounters, you can produce something meaningful for your clients or business, all while enjoying the process.

This video, "How to write a haiku," provides an excellent overview of crafting this poetic form, emphasizing simplicity and emotional resonance.