Abstraction Layers Debate

Comments discuss the use, necessity, and pitfalls of multiple layers of abstraction and indirection in software design and systems, often highlighting how too many layers lead to excessive complexity and referencing David Wheeler's corollary.

➡️ Stable 0.5x Programming Languages
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Keywords

TL FrontEndLayer alexshroyer.com DFS DR Football.html UI OSI layers levels level layer abstraction tree route nested hierarchy multiple

Sample Comments

knughit Jan 1, 2016 View on HN

It isn't infinitely layered! It is N-layered, which is critical.

reactordev Aug 25, 2025 View on HN

Yuuup, there’s at least 4 layers there…

cerved Dec 4, 2020 View on HN

but they're just one level, no?

joshwa Jun 22, 2007 View on HN

Sorry, too many levels of meta for me.

blondin Jun 28, 2020 View on HN

too many layers of abstraction. that's our problem.

zachrose Aug 31, 2013 View on HN

Why does it matter how many levels there are?

devonnull Aug 25, 2022 View on HN

All that layering stuff ... it's a bit too complex for me :-)

mvkel Jan 15, 2026 View on HN

It's wild how the layers of abstraction just keep expanding

meowface May 11, 2021 View on HN

Multiple layers.(Actual quote from the linked page.)

SV_BubbleTime Jun 15, 2024 View on HN

You are thinking about a level higher than embedded.