A handy side project (Weekend freewrite - single prompt option)

Also this weekend, I am choosing the single promot option from @mariannewest's Freewrite prompt. I take the chance to write for 'prototype', which I missed a few days ago.

-- Beginning of Freewrite --

We software developers are strange folks. We do convert pizza and coffee into code. And when we see a problem, we are thinking about a solution in form of code (and sometimes even with hardware).

The process of how such an idea comes to life is nearly always the same. A developer has an idea or want to solve a problem, thinks about it and concludes that there can be a code based solution. A few weeks ago, our lead developer at work was in such a situation.

He got a link for an event and wanted to visit this link within the browser of his Tesla Model S. Even shortened links are often cryptic and hard to type on a touchscreen. He thought about an easier way - and of course, he found one.

His idea started with a website that displays a QR-code, which can be opened on any device. Scanning this code with a mobile device, one can send the link directly to this device. I somehow liked the idea, so he developed the website, and I was pretty fast at creating a prototype app.

Both the website and the app were available just within the timeframe of three days, as my colleague wanted to demonstrate the concept to his friends (from the Tesla Owners club). The product as such is a so-called "Minimum Viable Product" (MVP) in the meantime, which is the second stage after being a prototype.

The MVP works in its core functions, but there can be bugs. Often this kind of software is released as alpha or beta versions. The early adopters are a big resource for developers, as they can drive development decisions in certain directions. Often, they are rewarded, based on the amount and quality of feedback they provide.

-- End of Freewrite --

If you want to have a look at our side project, the website is available at qrlink.app and the Android client is available as a beta version in the Google Play Store (iOS and Windows 10 coming soon).