# Hints and Principles for Computer System Design

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2011.02455 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2011.02455/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 3 Nov 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Fidelity Probes for Specification--Code Alignment](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.17246/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This new long version of my 1983 paper suggests the goals you might have for your system -- Simple, Timely, Efficient, Adaptable, Dependable, Yummy (STEADY) -- and techniques for achieving them -- Approximate, Incremental, Divide & Conquer (AID). It also gives some principles for system design that are more than just hints, and many examples of how to apply the ideas.