Sprint 2: MVP Launch Tracking & Discussion

Goal: Shipping a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)

The primary goal of Sprint 2 is to ship a minimal but usable MVP. This includes a local Command Line Interface (CLI), a lightweight Application Programming Interface (API), device enumeration, and simple distribution. We aim to deliver a functional core product that can be tested and iterated upon.

To achieve this goal, several key components need to be in place. First, a simple REST API should be available for non-Python callers, ensuring broad accessibility. Second, device enumeration and selection must be possible via both the CLI and environment variables, providing flexibility for different use cases. Third, optional Operating System (OS) service templates should be available, streamlining deployment. Finally, Continuous Integration (CI) must run linting and tests, and a release flow should be prepared to ensure code quality and smooth deployments.

This MVP launch is critical because it lays the foundation for future development. A well-executed MVP allows us to gather early feedback, validate assumptions, and make data-driven decisions. It is not about building the perfect product from the outset but rather about creating a functional version that solves the core problem. The focus is on simplicity, usability, and testability. We aim to get the core features right and iterate based on user feedback and real-world usage.

The MVP's success hinges on a collaborative effort, ensuring each team member understands their role and responsibilities. Regular communication, transparent progress tracking, and proactive problem-solving are essential. By prioritizing the essential features and maintaining a focus on the user, we can deliver a valuable product increment that sets the stage for future enhancements and growth.

Success Criteria: Defining a Successful MVP Launch

To effectively track the success of our MVP launch in Sprint 2, we have established clear success criteria. These criteria serve as measurable benchmarks, ensuring we deliver a functional and valuable product increment.

Simple REST API

Our first criterion is to have a simple REST API accessible for non-Python callers. This is crucial for enabling a wide range of integrations and use cases. The API should be well-documented, easy to use, and provide the necessary endpoints for basic functionality. This ensures that users can interact with our system regardless of their preferred programming language or environment.

Device Enumeration and Selection

Another key success criterion is device enumeration and selection via both the CLI and environment variables. This provides flexibility for users to manage and interact with devices in different contexts. The CLI should offer a straightforward way to list available devices and select the desired one, while environment variables allow for automated configurations in various deployment scenarios. This dual approach caters to both interactive and automated workflows.

Optional OS Service Templates

We also aim to provide optional OS service templates, simplifying the deployment process. These templates will include examples for systemd and launchd, making it easier to run our application as a background service on different operating systems. By offering these templates, we reduce the setup burden for users, enabling them to get started quickly and efficiently. This contributes to a smoother onboarding experience and broader adoption.

CI and Release Flow

Our CI must run linting and tests to maintain code quality and prevent regressions. Additionally, a release flow should be prepared to ensure smooth and consistent deployments. This includes automated testing, code analysis, and package building. By integrating these practices into our workflow, we can deliver reliable software updates and maintain a high standard of quality. This ensures that our users receive a stable and well-tested product.

In summary, these success criteria—a simple REST API, device enumeration and selection, optional OS service templates, and a robust CI and release flow—collectively define what a successful MVP launch looks like for Sprint 2. Meeting these criteria will set the stage for future iterations and enhancements, ensuring we continue to deliver value to our users.

Checklist: Key Tasks for MVP Launch

To ensure a smooth and successful MVP launch in Sprint 2, we have created a detailed checklist outlining the key tasks. This checklist serves as a roadmap, helping us track progress and ensure no critical steps are missed.

FastAPI Server with Endpoints

1. Task: #10 FastAPI server with 3 endpoints + examples
2. Description: This task involves setting up a FastAPI server with at least three endpoints, accompanied by practical examples. FastAPI is a modern, fast (high-performance), web framework for building APIs with Python. It is crucial for providing a RESTful interface for our MVP. The endpoints should cover essential functionalities such as device management, data retrieval, or any other core feature of the application. Providing examples will make it easier for users and developers to understand and integrate with our API.

CLI Subcommand

1. Task: #11 devices CLI subcommand
2. Description: This task focuses on implementing a devices subcommand in our CLI. This command should enable users to list and interact with connected devices. The CLI is a vital tool for local interaction and testing, so a well-designed devices subcommand is essential for a user-friendly experience. It should allow users to enumerate available devices, select a specific device for interaction, and potentially provide device status information. This ensures that users can easily manage and monitor their devices through the command line.

Systemd/Launchd Example Files

1. Task: #12 systemd/launchd example files
2. Description: This task involves creating example configuration files for systemd and launchd, which are commonly used service managers on Linux and macOS, respectively. These files will help users deploy our application as a background service, ensuring it runs reliably in various environments. Providing these examples simplifies the deployment process, as users can adapt the provided configurations to their specific needs. This reduces the friction associated with setting up the application as a service and improves the overall user experience.

CI for Lint and Tests

1. Task: #13 CI for lint+tests
2. Description: This task focuses on setting up Continuous Integration (CI) to automatically run linting and tests on our codebase. CI is critical for maintaining code quality and preventing regressions. Linting helps enforce coding standards and identify potential issues, while automated tests ensure that the application functions as expected. By automating these checks, we can catch errors early in the development process, reducing the risk of introducing bugs into the production environment. This ensures a more stable and reliable product.

Buildable Packages and Release Workflow

1. Task: #14 Buildable packages and optional release workflow
2. Description: This task involves preparing buildable packages for our application and setting up an optional release workflow. This ensures that we can easily distribute our application to users and automate the release process. Buildable packages may include installers for different operating systems, container images, or other distribution formats. An automated release workflow streamlines the process of creating and deploying new releases, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of errors. This task ensures that we can efficiently deliver updates and new features to our users.

Documentation Updates

1. Task: #15 Docs updated for API + devices + services
2. Description: This task is dedicated to updating the documentation for our API, devices functionality, and services. Clear and comprehensive documentation is essential for users and developers to understand how to use our application effectively. The documentation should cover the API endpoints, the CLI commands for device management, and the steps required to set up the application as a service. Well-maintained documentation reduces the learning curve and improves the overall user experience. This task ensures that users have the resources they need to successfully use our application.

By systematically working through this checklist, we can ensure that all key aspects of the MVP launch are addressed. Regular review and updates to the checklist will help us stay on track and deliver a high-quality MVP.

Timebox: Target Completion Time

To ensure we remain focused and deliver the MVP efficiently, we have set a timebox for Sprint 2. Our target completion time is 2–3 days, depending on the polish required for CI and the release process.

This timeframe is designed to strike a balance between rapid iteration and thorough execution. We aim to move quickly, but not at the expense of quality. The additional time allocated for CI and release polish acknowledges the importance of these aspects in delivering a stable and reliable product. A well-polished CI/CD pipeline ensures that we can continuously integrate and deploy changes with confidence.

The 2–3 day timebox encourages the team to prioritize tasks and avoid scope creep. By focusing on the essential features and minimizing distractions, we can maximize our productivity and deliver a valuable MVP within the given timeframe. Regular progress reviews and time tracking will help us stay on schedule and make any necessary adjustments along the way.

It is essential to recognize that this timebox is a guideline, not a rigid constraint. If unforeseen challenges arise, we may need to reassess and adjust the timeline accordingly. However, the timebox serves as a valuable tool for maintaining focus and driving progress towards our goal of launching a minimal but usable MVP.

In conclusion, the timebox provides a framework for efficient execution, emphasizing the importance of prioritization and focus. By adhering to this timeframe, we increase the likelihood of delivering a successful MVP within Sprint 2, setting the stage for future iterations and enhancements.

Learn more about MVP development here