Reflections on a "Dud" Project: Lessons Learned from WaitLiist

As developers, not every project we undertake becomes a resounding success. my recent venture, WaitLiist, serves as a prime example of a project that didn't quite hit the mark. However, even in failure, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned. Let's explore why WaitLiist might be considered a "dud" and what I learned from it.

What is WaitLiist?

WaitLiist is a platform that allows you to collect email addresses from your website visitors and add them to a waitlist. It's a simple tool that can help you build an email list and send email campaigns.

Why It's a Dud

1. Overengineering: The project seems to have fallen into the trap of overengineering. We implemented complex features and integrations that might not have been necessary for an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

2. Lack of Focus: The codebase reveals a scattered approach, with multiple features being developed simultaneously without a clear, prioritized roadmap.

3. Inconsistent Naming Conventions: Throughout the codebase, we see inconsistencies in naming (e.g., "waitlist" vs "wait list"), which can lead to confusion and maintenance issues.

4. Lack of Documentation: The codebase is lacking in comments and documentation, which can make it difficult for new developers to understand the code and maintain it over time.

5. Incomplete Features: Many components and services appear to be partially implemented or left as placeholders, indicating a lack of completion.

Lessons Learned

1. Start Small, Scale Later: Instead of building a complex system from the outset, we should have focused on delivering a core feature set and iterating based on user feedback.

2. Prioritize Security: Sensitive information should never be hardcoded or exposed in client-side code. Always use environment variables and server-side handling for API keys and tokens.

3. Consistent Naming and Structure: Establishing and adhering to consistent naming conventions and project structure from the beginning can save time and reduce confusion in the long run.

4. Focus on Core Functionality: The project attempted to implement various features like custom domains, multiple templates, and advanced analytics. It might have been more effective to perfect one core feature before expanding.

5. Thorough Planning: Before diving into coding, a more detailed planning phase could have helped identify potential roadblocks and prioritize features more effectively.

6. Regular Code Reviews: Implementing a strict code review process could have caught issues like inconsistent naming, security vulnerabilities, and incomplete features earlier in the development cycle.

7. Testing is Crucial: The lack of comprehensive testing is evident. Implementing unit tests and integration tests from the start can save time and prevent bugs in the long run.

8. Documentation Matters: While there are comments in some parts of the code, overall documentation seems lacking. Good documentation can help onboard new developers and maintain the project over time.

While WaitLiist may not have met its intended goals, the lessons learned from this project are invaluable. They serve as a reminder that in software development, failure is often the best teacher. By reflecting on these missteps, I can approach future projects with greater wisdom and efficiency.

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