Why Solo Founders Should Learn to Code for Their Software Company

Many solo founders find themselves stuck in a frustrating cycle: they've got a great idea for a software company, they've hustled to find customers, and they've even filed provisional patents. But they're still searching for their technical cofounder, and progress has stalled.

• The author argues that these founders should consider learning to code themselves.
• While it takes years to become a great hacker, learning enough to build a basic site or app can be done in a few months.
• Knowing the basics of coding can be invaluable for running a software company, even if you don't plan on being the main developer.

The Benefits of Learning to Code for Solo Software Company Founders

The author acknowledges that many non-technical founders resist the idea of learning to code, citing reasons like lack of time, interest, or confidence.

• But he emphasizes that learning to code can be easier than expected, with online resources and supportive communities available.
• The author highlights that hackers are often willing to help beginners, and there are tutorials and libraries available for almost every coding task.

Overcoming the Challenges of Learning to Code

The author acknowledges that self-learning can be challenging, especially when encountering errors or frustrating roadblocks.

• He advises seeking guidance from a friend, teacher, or coding bootcamp to overcome these hurdles.
• Having someone to help navigate these challenges can make a huge difference in the learning process.

Why Coding Matters for Software Company Success

The article argues that coding is not just a technical skill but a fundamental asset for software company founders.

• It allows you to build a prototype and get real user feedback, which is essential for iterating and improving your product.
• Learning to code can also help you impress potential technical cofounders and attract talent to your team.
• The author even shares the story of a non-technical founder who learned to code with Codecademy and built a prototype, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.

The Advantages of Being a Coding Solo Founder

The author emphasizes that learning to code can save time and resources in the long run.

• It eliminates the need to spend months searching for a technical cofounder, a process that can be time-consuming and fraught with uncertainty.
• By learning to code yourself, you can build a basic version of your product and get valuable user feedback early on, allowing you to iterate and improve your product more efficiently.

A Word of Caution: Finding Cofounders

The author cautions against the common practice of seeking a cofounder through casual networking.

• He argues that forming a successful partnership requires more than a shared vision; it's best to work with someone you already know and have collaborated with.
• This reinforces the importance of learning to code yourself, as it removes the dependence on finding a technical cofounder.

Building a Prototype and Gathering Feedback

The article stresses the importance of building a prototype even if your coding skills are limited.

• It allows you to get real user feedback and iterate on your product based on actual user data, rather than just relying on assumptions or mockups.
• Having a tangible product, even if it's not perfect, can be invaluable for attracting potential investors and building a team.

The Takeaway for Solo Founders

The author concludes with a clear message: if you're a solo founder and you want to build a successful software company, learn to code. It's a valuable skill that will give you the power to control your own destiny and build your vision into reality.

• It's not about becoming a world-class programmer; it's about gaining the knowledge and skills to build a functional prototype, gather user feedback, and attract the right talent.
• By taking the time to learn to code, you can unlock a world of possibilities and build a software company that truly reflects your vision.