Throwing away code as a strategy (TACAAS) ;)

Why Throwing Code Away Is Sometimes the Smartest Investment

As a development manager, I often encounter discussions about whether it's acceptable to write quick, imperfect code for startups aiming to deliver a POC (Proof of Concept), knowing that some of this code might end up in the trash. While many believe that investing in high-quality, future-proof code is always the right choice, I argue that this approach isn't always the wisest in certain situations.

What’s the True Goal of a POC?

A POC is neither a final product nor a full prototype. Its purpose is to demonstrate feasibility—be it technical, business, or otherwise. Therefore, the focus should be on speed and efficiency in achieving that goal. Writing perfect, polished, and well-architected code can turn into a trap: instead of delivering a quick solution that advances the startup to its next stage, you might waste precious time designing a robust architecture that may never even be needed.

Here’s an eye-opener: about 20% of startups fail within their first year, often due to running out of resources before validating their idea. Focusing on fast execution during the POC phase can be a game-changer.

Is It Really "Throwing Code Away"?

The "quick and dirty" approach doesn’t necessarily mean wasting time or resources. Code written for a POC delivers immediate value by helping entrepreneurs and investors determine whether moving forward is worthwhile. Even if the code is discarded later, it served its defined purpose, making it an investment that leveraged the most crucial resource at this stage: time.

A high percentage of startups admit that their POC code was replaced during later stages, yet they also credited this early code for securing funding or approval to proceed.

Time vs. Quality: What’s the Real Cost?

Developing high-quality code suitable for the next phases of development requires significant time and resources. For startups, this time can mean the difference between success and failure. At the POC stage, focusing on speed and basic implementation—even if it results in less clean or modular code—is often the better choice. If the startup progresses to the next stage, the needs will likely be reassessed, the architecture upgraded, and parts of the system rewritten anyway.

Consider this: a study showed that 76% of startups that succeeded prioritized speed over perfection during their early development phases

“Rewriting Code Is Part of the Process”

There’s a tendency to view rewriting code as a failure, but this is a misconception. Rewriting allows an organization to leverage insights gained along the way and create solutions tailored to newly clarified requirements. It’s a natural part of the product development lifecycle.

Now That We’ve Put Things in Perspective…

In cases where the goal is to achieve a POC as quickly as possible, opting for simple, rapid solutions—however imperfect—might be the best choice. The objective at this stage is to move forward, not get stuck. If the startup succeeds, rewriting code is always an option.

The Core Message Is Simple:

Throwing code away isn’t a loss—it’s a strategy.