Introduction
When you’re a solo developer, it’s tempting to jump straight into coding. But without a plan, you risk scope creep, missed deadlines, and messy code. My planning process is simple but effective.
1. Define the Goal
I start by writing a one-sentence project goal. This acts as my north star and helps me say no to unnecessary features.
2. Break Down Features
I list all the features, then group them into must-have and nice-to-have. The must-haves go into the first version; nice-to-haves can wait.
3. Choose the Tech Stack Early
I select tools and frameworks upfront to avoid switching mid-project. This keeps the development flow smooth.
4. Create a Loose Timeline
I give myself rough deadlines for each milestone. Even if I miss them, they keep me moving forward.
5. Keep Documentation Minimal
Instead of lengthy docs, I keep a simple markdown file with decisions, feature notes, and todos.
Conclusion
A simple plan prevents chaos. Consistency comes from knowing what to build, when to build it, and sticking to your scope.