Entropy is a term from physics that refers to the amount of "disorder" in a system.
Entropy, originating from the field of physics, describes a system's level of disorder or chaos. This concept underscores how systems evolve from order to disorder over time, which has implications in various fields, including programming and software development. In the context of software, understanding entropy can help developers recognize the importance of maintaining clarity and organization within their codebase.
In "The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master," Andrew Hunt emphasizes that managing entropy is crucial for creating maintainable and efficient software. As systems grow and change, they are prone to accumulation of disorder, necessitating ongoing attention from developers to ensure that structure and clarity are preserved in their work.