Why Create AirCode?
Neo Wang
I've been writing code as a software engineer for over ten years, primarily in the field of web development, with a strong preference for JavaScript and Node.js. Through witnessing many technological transitions, I've realized that the technologies that stand the test of time are often the most convenient and simple.
While developing server-side with Node.js, I still felt overwhelmed by the numerous configurations and meticulous processes needed. Therefore, I aspired to create a brand-new tech product to make server-side development with Node.js simpler and faster. After identifying the issues faced by larger companies, my partners and I realized that starting our own business was essential, and thus, we founded AirCode.
So, what problems do big companies face, and why must we create a startup to address this?
Companies operate like human life cycles, small businesses always have a chance
Before founding AirCode, I worked for various large corporations and startups, experiencing both rapid growth in successful companies and witnessing various challenges. Eventually, I realized that many issues were inevitable, resembling the human lifecycle.
Rationalized internal consumption
With the growth of a company, a problem inevitably arises that I call "rationalized internal consumption."
For example, in a startup with just five people, if an employee needs to purchase an iPad Pro for testing, a brief talk with the CEO would suffice. The entire process is simple, and reimbursement is easy. But in a company with hundreds of employees, there might be at least three layers of approval required, involving the department leader, finance, and ultimately the CEO's approval.
As the company grows, this process proliferates, almost unavoidably, because this is indeed a relatively rational management flow. Taking the financial approval process as an example, we can imagine countless other processes like product development, marketing, recruitment, etc., where larger companies experience internal consumption. The process, though rational, can grow like cancer, consuming the organization's energy.
No one is responsible for the user
Another significant problem in large companies is the lack of responsibility for the user. With growth, employees specialize in specific areas, merely being resources and following instructions. This situation is common in large companies, where one advantage is an abundance of resources. However, this abundance leads to employees treated merely as assets, with no one accountable for the final user experience or product outcome.
In startups, each employee can be the one ultimately responsible, able to discuss strategy with the CEO, products with the CPO, and tech solutions with the CTO. Decision-making is swift, and every employee can be accountable for the final results. If things go wrong, the company may collapse, and stock options could become worthless. But in large companies, a safe, high salary for fulfilling one's duties prevails, with limited gains for exceptional work, making obedience more appealing.
Startup company advantages, and why it must be a startup
Full commitment
Large companies may seem resource-rich, but due to the "rationalized internal consumption" mentioned above, resource efficiency is very low. The cost of organizing resources to explore an opportunity is immense, and the overall effect in a new field may not match a startup's effort. Though small companies may lack money, personnel, or brand, they can fully commit to a small task, gradually expanding into larger markets, similar to the growth process of successful large companies.
Rapid advancement
Again, due to rationalized internal consumption in large corporations, decision-making processes are prolonged. As no one is willing to take responsibility for the users, a decision often requires high-level discussions. Small companies are different; failure in trying new things is likely but acceptable. The key is to attempt quickly, adjust swiftly, and find new methods. Startups have a significant advantage in this regard.
We not only provide Node.js developers with an easy-to-use product but have also launched many deployable examples, including:
For more examples, please visit our official GitHub.
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