Slice the Work Into Small Steps

Ask for one small thing at a time. A page that loads, then a form, then saving data, then login. Each step should be something you can see working before you move on.

A good order

• A static page with real text.
• One form that does one thing.
• Saving and reading data.
• Sign in, if you need it.
• Polish and error messages.

Worked example

Sam asks first for a page that shows a static weekly board. It works. Then a form to add a chore. It works. Then saving to the database. When saving fails, he knows the problem is in that step and rolls back only that change.

Common mistakes

• Asking for the whole app in one prompt.
• Not checking each step before the next.
• Skipping the static version and starting with login.

Exercise

Write your build order as five numbered steps, each with one thing you can see working.