Simple programs are really good

I really enjoy using simple programs.

Programs that have a single, well-defined goal and that implement the minimum functionality necessary to achieve it.

And, above all, programs that avoid vendor lock-in by using, for example, plain text for their files.

I am a strong advocate of open-source and free software. But, this does not guarantee that a program meets all these characteristics:

• One goal.
• Minimum functionality.
• Avoid vendor lock-in.

In this sense, I am becoming more and more pragmatic: if I had a Mac, I would not hesitate to buy software like The Archive or TaskPaper.

I think the combination of these features is a winning combination for creating and using really good products in the long run.