A first version should prove value, not demonstrate every future capability. The trick is choosing shortcuts that are cheap to undo.
Prefer reversible decisions
Internal module boundaries, clear data ownership, and boring infrastructure are usually easier to evolve than clever one-offs. Optimize for understanding.
Ship vertical slices
End-to-end flows teach you more than horizontal layers. Auth + one workflow + persistence beats a perfect API with no product path.
Leave a handoff trail
Even if you’re the only builder today, write the “why” next to the “what.” Future you — or your team — will need it when the second version starts pulling the design apart.
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