A Periodic Table of System Design Principles

Re:A Periodic Table of System Design Principles by jarulraj on Tuesday July 29, 2025 @04:03PM (#44727657)

Author here, appreciate the share :) I was not expecting this to get so much attention.

To clarify: this is indeed just a taxonomy of classic system-design principles. The periodic-table styling is a familiar metaphor; there is no claim that principles repeat periodically. The goal was to outline a mostly orthogonal set of design principles and highlight cross-domain connections across computer systems so it is easier to discuss designs precisely. Thanks for all the thoughtful feedback!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:A Periodic Table of System Design Principles by peteforde on Tuesday July 29, 2025 @04:22PM (#44727835)

I came to say what others beat me to: this is not a periodic table, and calling it such is a legitimate disservice. It taints whatever value your content might hold because if it's presented as something that it's not, why should anyone trust it?

I strongly urge you to rename the project and most definitely update the body content of your README.md.

The best time was before you git pushed; the second best time is right now.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:A Periodic Table of System Design Principles by jarulraj on Tuesday July 29, 2025 @04:31PM (#44727925)

Agreed, I just updated it to "Elements of System Design".

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:A Periodic Table of System Design Principles by dang on Tuesday July 29, 2025 @06:57PM (#44729218)

Ok, we'll put that in the title above as well. Thanks!

[ Parent | on HN ]