How to Plan Features Before Coding a Backend

How to Plan Features Before Coding a Backend

Coding before planning leads to rework. A few hours of planning can save days of rewriting.

Step 1: Write the Product Vision

In one sentence, describe what the app does. "An app where users swipe on profiles and chat with matches." This anchors every feature decision.

Step 2: List All Features

Brainstorm every feature: sign up, login, edit profile, upload photos, swipe, match, feed, chat, notifications, payments, admin dashboard.

Step 3: Group Features Into Modules

Group related features: Auth (signup, login, password reset), Profile (edit, photos), Feed (browse, swipe), Connections (matches, requests), Chat (messages, notifications), Payments (subscription, invoices).

Step 4: Prioritize Features

Tag each as Must Have, Should Have, or Nice to Have. For an MVP: auth, profile, feed, matching. Chat and payments come later.

Step 5: Define Each Feature's APIs

For each feature, list the APIs. Auth: POST /signup, POST /login, POST /logout. Profile: GET /profile, PATCH /profile. Feed: GET /feed. Matching: POST /swipe, GET /matches.

Step 6: Sketch the Data Model

For each feature, list the collections and fields needed. User: name, email, passwordHash. Connection: fromUserId, toUserId, status. Sketch relationships and indexes.

Step 7: Write User Stories

For each feature: "As a user, I can sign up with email and password so I can use the app." User stories keep the focus on what the user needs.

Step 8: Sequence by Dependencies

Order features by what depends on what. You cannot build matching without users. You cannot build chat without matching. Plan the order.

The Takeaway

Plan features by writing a vision, listing features, grouping into modules, prioritizing, defining APIs, sketching the data model, writing user stories, and sequencing by dependencies. Planning saves rework.