Software Engineering · Code Quality
The future rework cost you take on by choosing a quick solution now instead of a more thorough one.
Mental model: Like putting off a car repair — fine now, more expensive later.
Example: Shipping a feature with a hardcoded config value to hit a launch date, then spending a sprint later making it configurable.
In practice: Like financial debt, a little taken on deliberately can be a reasonable trade for shipping speed — the real risk is debt taken on unknowingly, which compounds without anyone tracking it.
Debated: Some argue the 'debt' metaphor is misleading — unlike financial debt, there's no clear interest rate or repayment schedule, which can end up justifying indefinitely deferring cleanup.