Software Architecture: Why You Shouldn’t Put Everything in One File

As engineers, we optimize systems, build scalable architectures, and solve complex problems daily. But have you ever noticed how software design principles apply to life just as much as they do to code?

Let’s talk about Separation of Concerns (SoC)—not just in programming but in our personal growth too.

Geometric precision reflecting the principle of separation of concerns in software architecture, illustrated through a pattern of interlocking triangles.

The One-File Codebase Nightmare in Software Architecture

Imagine this: You’re working on a project, but everything—business logic, database queries, UI components, and API calls—is dumped into a single file. No services. No controllers. No repository interfaces.

What happens?

• The system becomes a mess—hard to maintain, impossible to scale.

• Every change breaks something else—modifying one part means navigating a spaghetti mess of dependencies.

• Growth? Forget about it. The system is stuck.

Now, let’s step away from code for a second…

Applying SoC to Life: Stop Expecting One Person to Be Everything

Here’s where it gets personal. I used to look at relationships the same way.

"You—you make me happy." 

"You—you build my business." 

"You—you provide me with the lifestyle I want."

Sound familiar? I was essentially writing a monolithic application where a single person was expected to handle everything—happiness, success, stability, inspiration.

And guess what? It didn’t work.

Just like in engineering, Separation of Concerns in life is key. We can’t expect one person to be our entire system. We need different “services” for different functions.

Designing a Scalable Life (Just Like Software)

• A partner? Experience polarity—let them bring their own strengths.

• A mentor? Let them guide your career, not define it.

• A creative outlet? That’s where you express, not process.

• A business partner? They help scale your ideas, not carry them alone.

Each concern needs its own space to function. That’s true for code, and it’s true for life.

Final Takeaway

Next time you’re designing a system—or reflecting on your relationships—ask yourself:

✔️Am I overloading a single entity with too many responsibilities? 

✔️ Is this structure scalable, adaptable, and efficient? 

✔️ Where should I create a clear separation to allow real growth?

After all, great software architecture—whether in code or in life—begins with clarity, boundaries, and knowing where each function truly belongs.

What’s a software principle you’ve applied to real life? Let’s discuss in the comments!