When it comes to building successful app startups, understanding what makes an app "lean" is crucial. In this article, we'll explore the key elements that define a lean app and how they can help you create a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable software development process.

The Ideal Model of Software Development

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In our previous series on lean apps, we discussed how the industry has evolved towards lower "surface area" over time. This trend is expected to continue, with major software developments focused on removing complexity and decreasing the cost of ownership. But what does this mean for the future of software development?

As we gaze into the rearview mirror, it's natural to ask: What else can we take out? What undifferentiated heavy lifting can be eliminated, leaving only the truest, most pure form of business logic? In other words, what does a fully lean app look like?

Stop Doing

For an industry that has long defined "software" as "stuff that runs on a machine," it's challenging to wrap your head around the idea of giving up on this paradigm. One way to approach it is to focus on customer value: What are the parts of an application that actually create end-user value?

Consider patching an OS. Your customers don't care about the technical details; they only want a smooth, secure experience. In other words, activities like these are utterly undifferentiated – they're not something your company can do better than someone else.

The Elements of a Lean App

If we allow ourselves to let go of how an application is constructed today and instead think about it structurally, there are several elements that embody the actual business needs of a typical application:

Data Model

Most commercial applications are ultimately about reflecting real-world changes with a durable replica (aka "database update") of those facts. This requires knowing what kind of data your business needs to model in the first place.

Integrity Constraints

Once you have the "syntax" of a data model in mind, the next question is usually establishing the "semantics," most notably what kind of data is good versus bad data. For example, integrity constraints can be expressed as data- or logic-centric expressions ("balance >= $0.00") or require Turing-complete code to calculate.

State Transitions (aka Data Triggers)

What do Oracle PL/SQL routines, AWS Lambda functions triggered by an Amazon S3 file upload, and Microsoft Azure LogicApps have in common? They're all workflows, ways of managing transitions from one application state to another. State transitions might employ integrity constraints, particularly if they create new or modify existing data items.

Connectors

Connectors are the ligaments that enable an app to connect to other applications. Data transformations and event hubs are the two conceptual elements that make up connectors. These play a crucial role in modulating inter-application schema and workflow evolution, as well as assisting with the initial migration from a legacy app to a lean app.

By understanding these key elements of a lean app, you can create a more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable software development process. Whether you're building a new app startup or looking to revamp your existing application, embracing the principles of a lean app can help you stay ahead of the curve in today's competitive tech landscape.

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