Library / Working with a coding agent / MVP
No. 086·noun·also called minimum viable product, v1, first version

MVP

The smallest version of a product that still solves the core problem, built to learn fast.

SPECIMEN · DIAGRAM · COMPARE

MVP (now)

  • Book a slot
  • Confirmation email
  • Staff schedule

Later

  • Payments
  • Reviews
  • Discount codes
Definition

What it is

An MVP (minimum viable product) is the first version that does the one essential thing well enough for real people to use. Everything else waits.

The hard part is cutting. A booking app's MVP might need booking and confirmation emails, but not discount codes, reviews, or a loyalty program.

Telling your coding agent "this is an MVP; skip X, Y, and Z for now" keeps the build focused and gets you something to test sooner.

Say it like a builder

How to ask for it

Vague

“Build the whole thing with all the features.”

Precise

“Build an MVP: customers can book a slot and get a confirmation email, and staff see the schedule. Leave out payments, reviews, and discount codes for now; list them as future work.”

Why it works

"All the features" invites a sprawling build; naming an MVP with explicit exclusions keeps the first version tight.

In the wild

You've seen this in

  • OAirbnb starting as air mattresses on one apartment floor
  • DDropbox launching with a demo video
  • TThe first iPhone without an App Store
Usage note

Often confused with

Scope creepScope creep is a growing feature list; an MVP is a deliberately minimal one.RoadmapThe roadmap is what comes after; the MVP is what comes first.