Staying Consistent Quote by Fred Hebert
““If a customer asks you to build a system that handles netsplits while staying consistent and available, you know that you need to either calmly explain the CAP theorem or run away (possibly by jumping through a window, for a maximal effect).””
About This Quote
Source Talk: Software Architecture Conference, 2015
When a client demands a complex distributed system, the speaker suggests explaining fundamental limits or abandoning the request dramatically.
In simple terms: Complex systems have inherent trade‑offs; explain or reject.
Key Takeaway
Know the CAP theorem and set realistic expectations.
Themes
software engineering
client management
trade‑offs
systems design
Mood
pragmatic
serious
Type
advisory
technical
When to use this quote
- project planning
- client negotiations
- system design
Key Concepts
CAP theorem
consistency
availability
network partitions
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative solutions can you propose?
- How do you balance client desires with technical reality?
A Different Perspective
Clients may not accept technical constraints.
