spike

A spike is a disposable experiment used to validate technical feasibility before full implementation. You need a spike when evaluating a new architecture, library, or workflow to reduce uncertainty and reveal technical risks early.

To create a proof-of-concept, break your idea into focused experiments with observable outcomes. Build throwaway prototypes to test the integration, evaluate the technology, and generate a verdict-based recommendation for your build decision.

Yes, you can use a spike to compare technology approaches by building throwaway implementations. This structured experimentation reveals competing solutions, tests integrations, and provides observable results to guide your final technology choice.

The best way to validate feasibility is through targeted, disposable experiments. This approach tests your proposed technical idea, answers specific feasibility questions, and delivers a clear verdict on whether the approach is worth building.

You should avoid throwaway prototypes when your idea requires no technical risk assessment or when the feasibility is already certain. Spikes are designed specifically for uncertain scenarios needing structured experimentation to evaluate architecture or integrations.