Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Pragmatic Approach to Non-Scalable Development
In the fast-paced world of startups, the adage “do things that don’t scale” from Paul Graham rings true, yet the practical application of this wisdom is seldom discussed among engineers. Having spent the last eight months developing an AI podcast platform, I’ve created a straightforward yet effective framework: every non-scalable solution I implement is granted a lifespan of just three months. At the end of this period, it must either demonstrate its value and earn a more robust build, or it will be retired.
The Paradigm Shift for Engineers
Traditionally, engineers are taught to focus on creating scalable solutions from the inception of a project. They are well-versed in sophisticated architecture, from design patterns to microservices, and distributed systems that can accommodate millions of users. However, this approach is more suited to established companies rather than startups where resources are often limited and immediate user needs take precedence.
In a startup environment, investing time in scalable solutions can often equate to delaying crucial decisions and actions. More often than not, you’re optimizing for hypothetical users and tackling problems that may never manifest. By adhering to my 3-Month Rule, I prioritize writing straightforward, albeit sometimes “subpar,” code that can be quickly deployed, allowing me to gain deeper insights into my users’ actual requirements.
Current Infrastructure Hacks: A Strategic Perspective
Here are some of the unconventional yet insightful strategies I’ve implemented during this journey:
1. Consolidated Resources on a Single VM
By running my database, web server, background jobs, and caching through Redis all on a single $40/month virtual machine, I’ve eliminated redundancy and streamlined operations. This approach has revealed my real resource needs more effectively than any elaborate capacity planning document. The result? I discovered that my “AI-intensive” platform operates comfortably within a 4GB RAM limit. When the system experiences crashes, I gain valuable insights into the actual causes, which are often unexpected.
2. Embracing Hardcoded Configurations
Current configurations are hardcoded directly into the system, as seen in the constants like:
python
PRICE_TIER_1 = 9.99
PRICE_TIER_2 = 19.99
MAX_USERS = 100
AI_MODEL = "gpt-4"
This method eliminates the need for configuration files and environment variables, with any value change requiring a simple redeploy.
One Comment
This post offers a compelling perspective on balancing immediate product needs with long-term scalability. The 3-Month Rule essentially advocates for rapid iteration and learning in the early startup phases, prioritizing getting functional solutions into users’ hands quickly. I appreciate the emphasis on practical, hands-on methods like consolidating resources and using hardcoded configurations—these approaches enable rapid experimentation and immediate insights without the overhead of over-architecting.
One point worth considering is the importance of a clear transition plan. While short-term solutions are invaluable for learning, it’s crucial to regularly revisit and refactor these implementations as product-market fit becomes clearer. This ensures that the technical debt incurred doesn’t hinder future growth. Incorporating periodic “scalability reviews”—say, every three or six months—could help balance the agility of non-scalable hacks with the sustainability of scalable systems once the product gains more traction.
Overall, your framework underscores a practical mindset: embrace urgency and flexibility early on, but remain intentional about evolving your infrastructure. It’s a valuable reminder that in startup environments, often less planning and more action lead to better insights and faster progress.