Are soft constraints good or bad?

UVM
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1

I see many places where a soft constraint contradicts another soft constraint.
I don’t remember if the outcome is well defined, but my question is more on best practice, recommended methodology etc.

at my previous workplace I was once told that I should avoid soft constraint if I can to avoid the above, but at new place it seems like a common practice. there are pros and cons to both approaches, but I tend to believe that the confusion of soft constraint contradiction would outweigh the flexibility it offers.

What do the experts believe?

Thanks!

2

In reply to AJO:

I think it’s about finding the right tool for the right problem
This link may offer some information for you to determine when it makes sense to use them
https://verificationacademy.com/forums/systemverilog/sv-soft-constraints-usage-and-benefits

Overall I’m my experience it has been useful to have soft constraints but you need to be aware of why and where they are implemented so that you don’t accidentally end up creating unintended scenarios by mistake.

HTH,
-R