Definition
MVP
Minimum Viable Product — the simplest version of a product that can be released to validate a business hypothesis with real users.
An MVP is a development strategy where a product is built with just enough features to attract early adopters and validate a product idea early in the development cycle. The term was popularized by Eric Ries in The Lean Startup. A common mistake is confusing an MVP with a prototype or proof of concept. An MVP must be viable — meaning it needs to work reliably, handle errors gracefully, and be secure enough to trust with real user data. Vibecoded prototypes often look like MVPs but lack the production readiness that 'viable' implies.
Related Terms
Questions about your tech stack?
We'll give you an honest assessment of where your product stands — no sales pitch.