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Wirth's Law

Wirth's Law states that software tends to become more resource-intensive over time, roughly doubling in complexity every 18–24 months. This means that as software develops, it often requires more powerful hardware to run efficiently, even as hardware itself advances. In essence, software's increasing demands can offset hardware improvements, leading to a cycle where new programs or updates need faster computers, despite hardware getting more capable. The law highlights the tendency of technological progress to be counterbalanced by growing software complexity.