Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Pragmatic Approach to Non-Scalable Solutions in Tech Development
In the tech start-up world, the advice from Paul Graham to “do things that don’t scale” often resonates well, yet there’s a noticeable gap when it comes to translating that guidance into practical coding strategies. After dedicating eight months to developing my AI podcast platform, I’ve created a straightforward framework: every non-scalable hack I implement is granted a lifespan of just three months. At the end of this period, the hack must either demonstrate its worthiness for investment into a more robust solution or be put to rest.
As developers, we are conditioned to focus on scalable architectures right from the start. With an emphasis on design patterns, microservices, and distributed systems, the goal is often to prepare for handling millions of users. Yet, this big-picture thinking can sometimes lead to premature optimization, especially in a startup environment where scalable solutions may simply serve as a way to delay real progress. By adhering to my 3-month rule, I encourage myself to write straightforward, albeit imperfect code that can be deployed quickly and provides valuable insights into user requirements.
Current Infrastructure Choices and Their Hidden Advantages
1. One Virtual Machine for Everything
My web server, database, Redis, and background jobs all share a single Virtual Machine (VM) that costs just $40 per month. There’s no redundancy or automated backup strategy; instead, I manually back up data to my local machine.
Why is this a smart move? In just two months, I’ve gained invaluable insights into my actual resource needs—information that no elaborate capacity planning document could provide. For instance, while I thought my AI-driven platform would require vast resources, I found that it only peaks at 4GB of RAM. The intricate Kubernetes setup I nearly implemented would have led to managing empty containers instead of optimizing real issues. When crashes occur (and they have), I get meaningful data about the true causes, revealing insights that often surprise me.
2. Simple Hardcoded Configurations
python
PRICE_TIER_1 = 9.99
PRICE_TIER_2 = 19.99
MAX_USERS = 100
AI_MODEL = "gpt-4"
Instead of relying on configuration files or environment variables, I use simple constants scattered throughout my code. This approach ensures that any needed changes require a redeployment but allows for quick access and review. For example, every configuration
One Comment
This is a refreshing perspective that challenges the often overwhelming emphasis on perfect scalability from day one. Your 3-month rule strikes a practical balance—encouraging rapid iteration and real-world learning while preventing “over-engineering” delays. I especially appreciate your emphasis on starting with simple, tangible solutions like a single VM and hardcoded configs; these choices enable swift deployment and direct insights into actual user needs and resource usage.
However, I wonder how you handle the transition after the three-month period—what criteria or metrics do you use to decide whether to scale up, refactor, or sunset a hack? Also, as your platform grows, have you found ways to retain the agility of this approach while gradually introducing more scalable infrastructure components?
Overall, your framework highlights the importance of pragmatism and responsiveness in early-stage development—something many startups could benefit from adopting. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful approach!