Future Proof

Verb · Hacker Culture

Definitions

  1. To design something in a way intended to remain useful and adaptable as needs, technology, or conditions change. In engineering culture the phrase is useful up to a point, though it can also become an excuse for speculative overengineering.

    In plain English: To try to make something stay useful as the future changes.

    Example: "They wanted to future proof the API, but the staff engineer kept reminding them that imaginary future complexity is still just imaginary until there is evidence it matters."

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