[Wiki.DoTheSimplestThingThatCouldPossiblyWork] has some very good discussions on doing the simplest thing. It is important to take the time to read and study this material as it plays a fundamental role in XP (Its right up there with DoingUnitTests?).
Finding the simplest thing this way requires brutal honesty with oneself - an attribute with which we are not all equally gifted. Most developers will instinctively choose an implementation that they are familiar with, one that has worked for them before. After all, this expertise is part of what makes up their market value. XP asks you the question: "Just because it worked before, does that mean that it is the best solution now"? If it still is, this might mean that you haven't learned anything in the mean time, and/or that the technology hasn't changed in the mean time, etc. Celebrate your chance to learn! JosephP
DoingTheSimplestThing