There’s a certain temptation to use “smart” tools for everything.
More features.
More options.
More flexibility.
But for simple tasks, that approach often backfires.
Simple Problems Don’t Need Smart Solutions
Take unit conversion.
Converting millimeters to centimeters doesn’t need:
Configuration
Custom formulas
Multiple modes
It just needs to work instantly.
Why General Tools Sometimes Feel Worse
Sure, you can use:
A calculator
A spreadsheet
A script
But all of those require setup, context, or extra steps.
For something this basic, those steps feel like overhead.
I Prefer Boring, Obvious Utilities
For quick mm → cm conversions, I use a tiny web tool:
It’s boring — and that’s a compliment.
No accounts.
No learning curve.
No decisions to make.
This Applies Beyond Unit Conversion
The same principle applies to many developer tools:
Linters that run automatically
Formatters with zero config
Scripts that do one thing well
The best tools often fade into the background.
Closing Thought
Not every problem deserves a powerful solution.
Sometimes the best choice is a boring one that quietly does its job and gets out of the way.
For unit conversion, that’s exactly what this tool does — and why I keep it around.
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