Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Practical Approach to Non-Scalable Solutions in Software Development
In the world of startups, where agility and rapid iteration often dictate success, the timeless advice from Paul Graham resonates: “Do things that don’t scale.” However, many developers struggle to translate this philosophy into actionable coding practices. After eight months of building my AI podcast platform, I’ve devised a straightforward framework: any unscalable workaround gets a lifespan of just three months. This gives me a finite period to assess its value; after that, it either evolves into a reliable solution or gets the axe.
As engineers, we are frequently taught to prioritize scalable frameworks from the outset. Concepts like design patterns, microservices, and distributed systems are crucial, especially for applications expected to support millions of users. However, this ‘big company’ mentality can hinder startups. Focusing on scalability too early often leads to elaborate solutions for problems that may never arise, costing time and resources without meaningful user feedback.
By adhering to my 3-month rule, I can focus on creating simple, functional “imperfect” code that provides real insights into user needs. Below are some key strategies from my current infrastructure, which challenge conventional wisdom while offering invaluable learning experiences.
Current Infrastructure Strategies That Make Sense
1. Consolidation on a Single Virtual Machine
I run everything—database, web server, background processes, Redis—on a single $40/month virtual machine. While this approach lacks redundancy and entails manual backups to my local device, it has equipped me with tangible insights about my resource needs. Within two months, I’ve discovered that my platform requires only 4GB of RAM at peak usage, making my initial plans for a complex Kubernetes configuration unnecessary.
When issues arise (which they have), I gain firsthand knowledge of what fails—often not what I anticipated.
2. Hardcoded Configuration
Choices like these are straightforward:
plaintext
PRICE_TIER_1 = 9.99
PRICE_TIER_2 = 19.99
MAX_USERS = 100
AI_MODEL = "gpt-4"
By avoiding configuration files and environment variables, and instead using constants spread throughout my code, I can quickly check values with a simple search. Changes prompt a quick redeploy, amounting to mere minutes compared to the hours a formal configuration service would take to build. In three months, I’ve only had to change values three times—a testament to the
One Comment
This is a fantastic approach that highlights the value of pragmatism and rapid iteration in early-stage development. The 3-month rule provides a clear boundary to test unscalable solutions without over-investing, fostering a mindset of continuous learning and iteration. I appreciate how you emphasize gaining firsthand insight through simple infrastructure choices—like consolidating on a single VM and using hardcoded configs—to clarify needs before scaling complexity.
This reminds me of the “build fast, break things, then iterate” philosophy, but with a disciplined timeframe that ensures these experiments remain productive rather than indulgent. It strikes a healthy balance between “doing what doesn’t scale” and preparing for future growth, preventing premature optimization. Have you considered combining this framework with periodic reviews to document lessons learned and inform subsequent phases? That could make the process even more valuable over the long term.