What are the differences between the DRY principle and KISS principle?

What are the differences between the DRY principle and KISS principle?

The DRY principle stands for 'Don't Repeat Yourself,' which emphasizes reducing code duplication. The KISS principle means 'Keep It Simple, Stupid,' focusing on simplicity in design. Both aim to improve code quality but from different angles.

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.

When should I prioritize one principle over the other?

You should prioritize DRY when you notice code duplication, while KISS should be prioritized when complexity is hindering understanding or maintenance.

Are there any drawbacks to following these principles?

Yes, over-applying DRY can lead to overly abstract code that's hard to understand. Similarly, KISS can sometimes oversimplify complex problems, leading to inadequate solutions.