Part 2. Minimum viable product

This part explores the strategic development of the initial stages of a software project. Our journey begins with the concept and crafting of a minimum viable product (MVP), a foundational step in the software development lifecycle. An MVP is not just a one-time prototype but a sustainable foundation for future development. The focus is on the importance of a fast feedback loop in these early stages, which is achieved through the creation of an MVP and the implementation of integration tests. Using the case study of Andromeda Control Software, we’ll cover some essential aspects such as drafting, module organization, mnemonic analysis, and the use of reactive streams in the MVP process.

Next, we move to the realm of end-to-end design, focusing on establishing clear, final goals and aligning each design decision with these objectives. We discuss the importance of functional services for subsystem decoupling, the critical analysis of dependencies between layers, and the structuring of larger layers into more manageable sublayers. We talk about best practices for interface design, the Service Handle pattern for functional interfaces, the role of mocking in testing, and the utilization of type classes for added functionality. This approach aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to ensure that your MVP and end-to-end design meet immediate requirements and lay a strong foundation for future scalability and adaptability.