**Convention Over Configuration (CoC) is a software design paradigm that aims to simplify development by using pre-defined assumptions and standards, reducing the number of decisions developers must make. While CoC can enhance productivity and consistency, there are scenarios where it might fail or be less effective:
1. Lack of Flexibility**
One of the primary criticisms of CoC is its potential to limit flexibility. In environments where unique or non-standard solutions are required, adhering strictly to conventions can be restrictive. For instance, if a project requires a database schema that doesn't follow the conventional naming conventions, additional configuration is necessary, which can offset the benefits of CoC[5][4].
2. Conflicts with Other Design Principles**
CoC can sometimes conflict with other design principles, such as the "explicit is better than implicit" principle from the Zen of Python. This principle suggests that explicit configurations are preferable to implicit assumptions, which can lead to confusion or unexpected behavior if not well-documented[9][4].
3. Complexity in Non-Standard Scenarios**
When dealing with complex or non-standard scenarios, CoC might not provide the necessary flexibility to handle unique requirements efficiently. For example, in a system where multiple databases with different schema structures need to be integrated, relying solely on conventions could lead to inefficiencies or additional complexity[4][10].
4. Learning Curve and Adoption**
Implementing CoC requires a certain level of familiarity with the conventions themselves. New developers might find it challenging to learn and adapt to these conventions, especially if they are used to more explicit configuration methods. This can increase the learning curve and potentially hinder productivity for new team members[1][4].
5. Implicit Assumptions and Documentation**
CoC relies heavily on implicit assumptions based on established conventions. If these assumptions are not well-documented or understood, it can lead to misunderstandings or errors. Developers need to have a deep understanding of the conventions to effectively use them, which can be a barrier in collaborative environments[10][8].
6. Overreliance on Defaults**
In some cases, developers might rely too heavily on the defaults provided by CoC without fully understanding the underlying assumptions. This can lead to unexpected behavior if the defaults do not align with the project's specific needs. For instance, if a framework assumes a certain database structure by default, but the actual structure is different, additional configuration is required to override these defaults[4][11].
In summary, while Convention Over Configuration offers many benefits in terms of productivity and consistency, it can fail or be less effective in scenarios requiring high flexibility, complex configurations, or when there is a lack of understanding of the underlying conventions.
Citations:[1] https://facilethings.com/blog/en/convention-over-configuration
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/rails/comments/a68d7i/im_terrified_of_convention_over_configuration/
[3] https://www.devx.com/terms/convention-over-configuration/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convention_over_configuration
[5] https://www.aspireedge.com/the-impact-of-convention-over-configuration-in-ruby-on-rails.html
[6] http://softwareengineering.vazexqi.com/files/pattern.html
[7] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/archive/msdn-magazine/2009/february/patterns-in-practice-convention-over-configuration
[8] https://devopedia.org/convention-over-configuration
[9] https://softwareengineering.stackexchange.com/questions/165649/is-convention-over-configuration-not-violating-basic-programming-principles
[10] https://techblog.bozho.net/a-problem-with-convention-over-configuration/
[11] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/71985512/convention-over-configuration-in-rails
[12] https://davewentzel.com/content/convention-over-configuration/