Master Software Architecture: From Simplicity to Complexity • Maciej «MJ» Jedrzejewski • GOTO 2025

This presentation was recorded at GOTO Copenhagen 2025. #GOTOcon #GOTOcph
https://gotocph.com

Maciej «MJ» Jedrzejewski - Tech Agnostic Architect & Author of “Master Software Architecture” @learnsoftwarearchitecture 

RESOURCES
https://github.com/meaboutsoftware
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jedrzejewski-maciej
https://www.fractionalarchitect.io

Links
https://beyond-agility.com/project-paradox

ABSTRACT
Software architecture is undergoing constant evolution. The sooner we understand this as software engineers, the better for us.

Instead of over-complication and cognitive load from the very beginning, let's focus on how to make scaffolding that is easy to understand and develop. At the same time, it is worth remembering not to close the door on ourselves - keep it open as long as possible.

How do our brains' shortcuts lead us into architectural traps—and paradoxically, how not leveraging these heuristics can be just as dangerous? How does the environment around us shape what is possible, forcing us to adapt or fail?

Smart deployment and release strategies aren't bureaucratic obstacles—they are the very mechanisms that enable painless evolution. Testing isn't just about catching bugs; it is the safety net that lets you swing from simple to complex without breaking your neck.
And security?
It belongs in every stage of evolution, not just bolted on when you are already struggling under technical debt.

I will share battle scars from projects where we built distributed systems we didn't need, added fancy components that solved imaginary problems, and the surprising success stories where embracing constraints led to elegant solutions. [...]

TIMECODES
00:00 Intro
03:25 An example
04:33 Cognitive shortcuts
07:20 Context is king
09:44 First listen, then talk
12:29 How to minimize risk?
19:24 Recognize the environment around you
25:14 Deployment strategy
26:56 Release strategy
29:18 Solution architecture
32:00 4 steps of evolution
32:26 1. Simplicity
36:08 2. Maintainability
38:12 3. Growth
40:12 4. Complexity
42:15 Recap
43:40 Lessons from the trenches
45:39 Outro

Download slides and read the full abstract here:
https://gotocph.com/2025/sessions/3660

RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Maciej «MJ» Jedrzejewski • Master Software Architecture • https://leanpub.com/master-software-architecture
Gregor Hohpe • Platform Strategy • https://amzn.to/4cxfYdb
Gregor Hohpe • The Software Architect Elevator • https://amzn.to/3F6d2ax
Martin Kleppmann • Designing Data-Intensive Applications • https://amzn.to/3mk2Roj
Ford, Richards, Sadalage & Dehghani • Software Architecture: The Hard Parts • https://amzn.to/3QeMgjR
Nick Tune & Jean-Georges Perrin • Architecture Modernization • https://amzn.to/4b5ASiN
Sam Newman • Monolith to Microservices • https://amzn.to/2Nml96E
Vaughn Vernon & Tomasz Jaskula • Strategic Monoliths & Microservices • https://amzn.to/3AcUscj

https://bsky.app/profile/gotocon.com
https://twitter.com/GOTOcon
https://www.linkedin.com/company/goto-
https://www.instagram.com/goto_con
https://www.facebook.com/GOTOConferences
#SoftwareArchitecture #MasterSoftwareArchitecture #SolutionArchitecture #Microservices #Monolith #Simplicity  #Maintainability #Growth #Complexity #Programming #DDD #DomainDrivenDesign #MaciejJedrzejewski  #GOTO

CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP BONUS
Join this channel to get early access to videos & other perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs_tLP3AiwYKwdUHpltJPuA/join

Looking for a unique learning experience?
Attend the next GOTO conference near you! Get your ticket at https://gotopia.tech
Sign up for updates and specials at https://gotopia.tech/newsletter

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL - new videos posted almost daily.
https://www.youtube.com/user/GotoConferences/?sub_confirmation=1