The Essential blog

Engineering notes.
Useful decisions.

Project stories and practical guidance for turning ideas into software people can rely on.

Software decisions, from idea to operation

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Software strategy · 4 min read

As Software Gets Cheaper, Which Problems Become Worth Solving?

How the Jevons paradox can help businesses reassess AI-assisted software projects using workflow value, full costs and ownership.

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Prototype to production · 4 min read

From Lovable Prototype to Production: What the Refactoring Story Teaches Us

A real Essential delivery, and a practical way to decide what to keep, refactor and verify when an AI-built prototype needs to become a maintained product.

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Engineering readiness · 4 min read

Is Your AI-Built App Ready for Customers?

A practical release review for AI-built applications: user journeys, permissions, failure handling, operations and ownership.

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Software strategy · 4 min read

Build, Buy or Extend? SaaS vs Custom Software in the AI Era

How to compare SaaS, custom software and extensions using workflow fit, operating cost, ownership and a focused first investment.

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