In the spirit of Niklaus Wirth's Law, this article reflects on the trade-offs between software efficiency and modern development. Wirth's Law, famously stating that software slows down faster than hardware speeds up, is explored throughout. The author reflects on these observations across their career, examining the evolution of software development practices.

The article contrasts the past with the present, particularly the shift to cloud computing. Early internet companies had simpler requirements. Today's developers face increased complexity, such as input latency. Despite this, cloud platforms and managed services have fostered an explosion in web software. The discussion centers on the practical implications of these changes.

One example of Wirth's Law in action is provided with an example of template rendering taking minutes. The ORM was the culprit, creating hundreds of thousands of database queries. While modern software is often slower, it also brings improvements in accessibility and functionality. The author stresses the importance of balance.

Ultimately, the author's analysis emphasizes that while modern software has its drawbacks, it also delivers significant benefits. The piece serves as a reminder to consider both the technical and social impacts of software design choices. It's a call to weigh the costs and benefits of new technologies.