On Automation And Complexity

Thinking a little bit more about the idea of complexity and automation, and the notion that automation, which is supposed to make things easier, sometimes (often?) adds complexity even while it succeeds in making (some?most?) things easier ...

Operating an automobile is significantly more complex than walking. But oh so much more convenient (depending on where you're going and how far and a few other factors). One would even say easier. It is just familiarity with the task, and that our culture takes it for granted, that keeps us from noticing how complex a task it is. Similarly, regular expressions carry a fair bit of complexity and a learning curve, but having RE-aware tools allows a lot of convenient automation of what would otherwise be tedious editing tasks. Programming a VCR (does anybody besides me still do that?) requires first learning how to set its clock, and dealing with an interface that is not conveniently standardized the way automobile controls are, but it beats having to remember to be in the right room at the right time to turn the thing on and off to record a show (and, more importantly, allows you to record shows when you're not even home) -- the automation makes things easier, but certainly not simpler!