Ship it Stupid

I mean stupid code, not you!

Building software in a startup environment presents a unique challenge: how do you balance speed and quality when you're not sure which code will become critical infrastructure and which might be thrown away? Here are some pragmatic suggestions for maintaining build quality without sacrificing agility.

Optimization

In the early stages of development, choosing simpler solutions often yields better results than pursuing theoretical efficiency. Don't hesitate to implement an O(n2) algorithm if it means writing a quarter of the code compared to its O(n*log(n)) counterpart. Optimize when performance becomes a problem. Clear, maintainable code that works today is better than optimized code that delays your launch.

Abstraction

Start with concrete implementations rather than abstract interfaces. Bad premature abstractions can be costly, crippling your ability to maintain and revise code as requirements evolve. Add interfaces only when clear patterns emerge from actual usage, not theoretical scenarios.

Rewrite

Plan for multiple rewrites from the beginning. This mindset shift from “build it right the first time” to “build it well enough to learn from” can be liberating. Be willing to throw away code when better solutions become apparent through real-world usage and feedback.

Conclusion

Building quality software in a startup environment means embracing simplicity first and foremost. Choose straightforward implementations that get the job done today rather than complex optimizations that might pay off tomorrow. Let your code's patterns emerge naturally through real use rather than forcing premature abstractions. Most importantly, stay ready to start fresh when your understanding evolves – those rewrites aren't failures, they're opportunities to build something better with the wisdom you've gained.

Written with Reviso