What are the differences between the DRY and KISS principles?

What are the differences between the DRY and KISS principles?

The DRY principle stands for 'Don't Repeat Yourself' and emphasizes reducing code duplication. The KISS principle means 'Keep It Simple, Stupid' and focuses on simplicity in design.

Can you give examples of each principle in practice?

Sure! For DRY, if you have a function that calculates tax, you should reuse it instead of rewriting the logic. For KISS, instead of creating a complex class hierarchy, you might use a simple function to achieve the same result.

Why are these principles important in software development?

They help improve code maintainability and readability. DRY reduces errors from duplication, while KISS ensures that solutions are easy to understand and modify.

Are there situations where one principle might conflict with the other?

Yes, sometimes trying to adhere strictly to DRY can lead to complex abstractions that violate KISS. It's important to find a balance.