The Return Of Small Software

Software has become incredibly capable, but capability often brings weight. A simple task can require an account, subscription, cloud service, large installation, and several layers of settings. I have started appreciating small software again.

A small tool does one job clearly. Merge a few files. Resize an image. Convert a unit. Generate a QR code. Start a timer. These programs are not ambitious, but they respect the user’s original problem.

The web is a good home for this kind of software. A single HTML page can contain the interface, logic, and styling needed for many small utilities. The user opens a link, completes the task, and leaves. There may be no reason for a server or account at all.

Modern browsers are capable enough to process images, PDFs, text, and many local files directly on the device. This can improve privacy because the file does not need to be uploaded somewhere simply to perform a small transformation.

I also enjoy building small tools because they can actually be finished. Large projects create long roadmaps. A small application can move from idea to useful result in an evening or weekend.

There is a temptation in software to prove seriousness through complexity. More architecture, more services, more dependencies. Sometimes that complexity is necessary.

Sometimes the most professional decision is to stop before the tool becomes larger than the problem.