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Prototype, then polish. Get it working before you optimize…

“Prototype, then polish. Get it working before you optimize it” quote by Eric S. Raymond
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“Prototype, then polish. Get it working before you optimize it”

Eric S. Raymond

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

First build a functional prototype, then refine it; early working code guides effective optimization.

In simple terms: Make it work before polishing.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize functionality, then improve.

Themes

software development productivity iteration

Mood

pragmatic technical

Type

process advice

When to use this quote

  • startup MVP
  • software refactoring
  • hardware design

Key Concepts

prototyping optimization

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it better to prototype quickly or plan thoroughly?
  • When should optimization begin?
A Different Perspective

Rushing to polish can waste resources if fundamentals are flawed.

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