Embracing the 3-Month Rule: A Practical Approach to Non-Scalable Solutions in Software Development
In the world of technology startups, the prevailing wisdom often leans heavily on scaling from the outset, a principle popularized by Paul Graham’s mantra, “Do things that don’t scale.” While this advice is frequently cited, there is a noticeable lack of discussion on how to effectively apply it in the coding process.
After eight months of developing my AI podcast platform, I’ve established a straightforward approach: every non-scalable solution I implement is given a lifespan of just three months. At the end of that period, it must either demonstrate its value and be properly integrated into my system or be discarded.
The Startup Mindset: Why Traditional Scalability Doesn’t Always Apply
As software engineers, we often default to creating scalable architectures designed for handling extensive user bases seamlessly. We invest time into developing microservices, intricate design patterns, and distributed systems—elements that are crucial for large companies but may not be suitable for startups. In the early stages, focusing on scalable code can result in costly delays, as it often prioritizes future users who may not yet exist and addresses challenges that may never arise.
The three-month rule compels me to prioritize simplicity and functionality in my coding, allowing me to gather genuine insights into user needs rather than presuming them.
My Current Non-Scalable Solutions: Strategic Decisions with Intent
1. Unified VM Environment
I have consolidated my database, web server, and background jobs onto a single $40/month virtual machine, complete with manual backups to my local storage.
This approach, often seen as risky, has proven insightful; I’ve gained a clearer understanding of my resource requirements in two months than any extensive planning document could provide. Surprisingly, my platform’s peak RAM usage is just 4GB, revealing that the sophisticated Kubernetes architecture I had contemplated would have merely involved managing idle containers. Each crash has provided invaluable information about unexpected failure points.
2. Direct Configuration in Code
Instead of relying on configuration files or environment variables, I use hardcoded constants throughout my application:
python
PRICE_TIER_1 = 9.99
PRICE_TIER_2 = 19.99
MAX_USERS = 100
AI_MODEL = "gpt-4"
While this might seem simplistic, it allows for quick contextual searches across my codebase. Each price adjustment is a tracked change, and
One Comment
This approach of implementing the 3-month rule offers a refreshing perspective on balancing agility with strategic experimentation. By giving non-scalable solutions a defined lifespan, you inherently create a structured cycle of learning and iteration, which is crucial in startup environments. It reminds me of the Lean Startup methodology—prioritizing validated learning over premature optimization. Your examples, like consolidating into a single VM or hardcoding configurations, highlight the value of simplicity and rapid feedback over complex architecture designed prematurely.
It’s interesting to see how such pragmatic, short-term solutions can inform long-term architecture decisions—providing real-world insights that often get lost in theory. This disciplined approach ensures that you’re investing resources where they truly matter and avoiding the trap of over-engineering early on.
Thanks for sharing this practical framework; it’s a useful reminder that sometimes doing things that “don’t scale” with intention and clarity can fast-track understanding and help you build a more informed, robust product in the end.