Description: The ‘Big Ball of Mud’ is a term used in software development to describe a system that lacks a clear architecture and has become difficult to maintain and scale. This concept refers to software that, over time, has accumulated a large amount of disorganized code, patches, and temporary solutions, resulting in a monolithic and inflexible system. Key characteristics of a ‘Big Ball of Mud’ include a lack of modularity, excessive interdependence between components, and difficulty in implementing changes without affecting other parts of the system. This type of software is often the result of uncontrolled growth and a lack of proper planning in the early stages of development. The relevance of this term lies in the growing need for organizations to maintain software systems that are sustainable and adaptable to market changes. The ‘Big Ball of Mud’ represents a significant challenge for development teams, as the inherent complexity of these systems can lead to increased maintenance costs and decreased software quality, which in turn can affect customer satisfaction and the organization’s competitiveness.
