TemplateToolkit/Templates/project_planning_template.md

Project Planning Template

Step 1: Define Project Goal

• Clearly articulate the purpose of the project
• Answer the question: Why am I building this?
• Consider:
  • Hobby project
  • Startup idea
  • Portfolio project
  • Business solution

Step 2: Write User Stories

• Create 10-20 user-centric statements
• Focus on user actions, not technical implementation
• Examples:
  • User should be able to create an account
  • User should be able to upload a file
  • User should be able to view a dashboard

Step 3: Define Data Models

• Sketch out data relationships
• Identify models and their fields
• Consider relationships between models
• Example for a blog:
  • User model
  • Post model
  • Comment model

Step 4: Define MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

• Be ruthless in cutting features
• Include only absolutely necessary functionality
• Goal: Smallest possible working prototype
• Example for task management app:
  • Create tasks
  • Mark tasks as complete
  • Delete tasks

Step 5: Create Basic Wireframe

• Sketch a simple prototype
• Use paper or basic drawing tool
• Focus on layout and user flow
• Don't worry about design details

Step 6: Consider Future Scalability

• Assess potential project growth
• Determine long-term requirements
• Consider:
  • Weekend project
  • Potential user scale
  • Future feature needs

Step 7: Define Project Components

• Determine application type
  • Script
  • Web app
  • Mobile app
  • Browser extension
• Identify high-level architecture
• Plan technical components

Step 8: Choose Technology Stack

• Select technologies after planning
• Choose simplest stack that meets requirements
• Consider:
  • Frontend technology
  • Backend technology
  • Database
  • Deployment options
• Verify deployment path

Step 9: Development Process

1. Create project skeleton

   • Folder structure
   • Development environment
   • Version control

2. Set up database

   • Create data models
   • Establish data layer

3. Build backend routes

   • Create API endpoints
   • Thoroughly test backend functionality

4. Develop frontend

   • Create user interface
   • Connect to backend

5. Iterate and Test

   • Gradually add features
   • Test continuously
   • Deploy early and often

Key Principles

• Planning is part of development
• An hour of planning saves days of coding
• Focus on solving the core problem
• Keep it simple
• Test thoroughly Project Planning Template

Step 1: Define Project Goal

• Clearly articulate the purpose of the project
• Answer the question: Why am I building this?
• Consider:
  • Hobby project
  • Startup idea
  • Portfolio project
  • Business solution

Step 2: Write User Stories

• Create 10-20 user-centric statements
• Focus on user actions, not technical implementation
• Examples:
  • User should be able to create an account
  • User should be able to upload a file
  • User should be able to view a dashboard

Step 3: Define Data Models

• Sketch out data relationships
• Identify models and their fields
• Consider relationships between models
• Example for a blog:
  • User model
  • Post model
  • Comment model

Step 4: Define MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

• Be ruthless in cutting features
• Include only absolutely necessary functionality
• Goal: Smallest possible working prototype
• Example for task management app:
  • Create tasks
  • Mark tasks as complete
  • Delete tasks

Step 5: Create Basic Wireframe

• Sketch a simple prototype
• Use paper or basic drawing tool
• Focus on layout and user flow
• Don't worry about design details

Step 6: Consider Future Scalability

• Assess potential project growth
• Determine long-term requirements
• Consider:
  • Weekend project
  • Potential user scale
  • Future feature needs

Step 7: Define Project Components

• Determine application type
  • Script
  • Web app
  • Mobile app
  • Browser extension
• Identify high-level architecture
• Plan technical components

Step 8: Choose Technology Stack

• Select technologies after planning
• Choose simplest stack that meets requirements
• Consider:
  • Frontend technology
  • Backend technology
  • Database
  • Deployment options
• Verify deployment path

Step 9: Development Process

1. Create project skeleton

   • Folder structure
   • Development environment
   • Version control

2. Set up database

   • Create data models
   • Establish data layer

3. Build backend routes

   • Create API endpoints
   • Thoroughly test backend functionality

4. Develop frontend

   • Create user interface
   • Connect to backend

5. Iterate and Test

   • Gradually add features
   • Test continuously
   • Deploy early and often