Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Pragmatic Approach to Unscalable Solutions
When we think about startup advice, Paul Graham’s mantra to “do things that don’t scale” often comes to mind. However, the challenge lies in translating this wisdom into actionable steps within the realm of software development.
Having spent the past eight months developing an AI podcast platform, I’ve crafted a straightforward yet effective framework: every unscalable solution gets a trial period of three months. After this period, if it hasn’t demonstrated its value, it’s time to let it go.
In the world of software engineering, we’re ingrained with the idea of crafting scalable solutions from the outset. We’re trained in advanced techniques like design patterns and microservices, envisioning systems that can accommodate millions of users. While this architectural finesse is appealing, in the startup landscape, pursuing scalable solutions too early can lead to costly procrastination.
My three-month rule encourages me to create straightforward, albeit imperfect, code that can be deployed swiftly. This process not only yields immediate results but also provides insights into what users genuinely need.
My Current Infrastructure Hacks: Smart Choices for a Lean Startup
1. Centralized on a Single Virtual Machine
Running my database, web server, background jobs, and Redis on a single $40-per-month VM might seem reckless. With no redundancy and manual backups, I have learned more about my resource needs in two months than any planning document could have conveyed. Early projections indicated a necessity for an elaborate Kubernetes system, yet my platform operates comfortably within 4GB of RAM. Whenever it does crash, which has happened a couple of times, I gain valuable insights into the actual triggers—none of which were anticipated.
2. Hardcoded Configuration for Simplicity
Instead of using configuration files or environment variables, I’ve opted for hardcoded values like:
PRICE_TIER_1 = 9.99
PRICE_TIER_2 = 19.99
MAX_USERS = 100
AI_MODEL = "gpt-4"
This may seem inefficient, but the ability to quickly search through my codebase for any configuration value allows seamless tracking of changes via git history. Each minor price adjustment involves mere minutes of redeployment as opposed to the week it would have taken to develop a comprehensive configuration management system.
3. SQLite as a Lightweight Database Solution
Running SQLite for a multi-user web app may raise eyebrows,
One Comment
This post offers a refreshing perspective on balancing speed and scalability in early-stage development. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on rapid iteration and learning through practical experimentation—embracing the “unscalable” solutions for a limited time to gain real-world insights.
Your three-month rule acts as a tangible checkpoint that can prevent paralysis by analysis, allowing teams to iterate quickly and adapt based on actual user needs rather than overly complex assumptions. The choice of a single VM, hardcoded configs, and SQLite exemplifies a pragmatic approach—prioritizing agility over perfection in the initial phases.
One additional insight might be to establish clear criteria for when to revisit these “unscalable” solutions—for instance, measuring performance limits, user growth thresholds, or operational stability. This way, the transition to more scalable infrastructure becomes data-driven, rather than solely time-based.
Overall, this is a practical framework that encourages founders and developers to focus on learning and delivery rather than getting bogged down in architecture too early. Thanks for sharing this valuable approach!