Today we’re going to talk about two terms that get thrown around a lot but are often misunderstood: proof of concept (POC) and minimum viable product (MVP).

First off, let’s start with POC. This is the fancy way to say “let’s see if this works.” It’s a quick and dirty prototype that proves an idea can be executed in code. Think of it as a rough sketch on paper before you paint your masterpiece. The goal here isn’t necessarily to create something perfect, but rather to test out the feasibility of an idea.

For example, let’s say you have this brilliant concept for a new app that helps people find their lost keys. You don’t want to spend months building it only to realize it doesn’t work or isn’t useful. Instead, you create a POC with some basic functionality like scanning the area around your phone and displaying nearby keychains on a map. If this works, great! Keep going. If not, back to the drawing board.

Now MVP. This is where things get interesting. An MVP is a product with just enough features to satisfy early customers or users. It’s like a bare-bones version of your final product that you can release and test in the market. The goal here isn’t necessarily to make money, but rather to gather feedback from real people who will actually use it.

For example, let’s say you have this amazing new social media platform that connects people based on their interests. You don’t want to spend months building a full-blown version only to realize nobody wants to use it. Instead, you create an MVP with just the basics like user profiles and messaging. If people love it, great! Keep going. If not, back to the drawing board.

POC vs. MVP: two terms that are often misunderstood but crucial for any successful product or app. Remember, a proof of concept is all about testing feasibility and functionality, while an MVP is all about gathering feedback from real users. Keep these concepts in mind as you navigate the world of coding and development!