The Book Summaries

The Book Summaries

Getting Real

How to Build a Successful Web App Quickly and Easily

Sep 30, 2024
∙ Paid

by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Getting Real (2011) explains how to create web apps efficiently. It offers practical advice on what to do and avoid when starting an app business.

About the authors

Jason Fried helped start 37signals, a company that makes web apps.

David Heinemeier Hansson works at 37signals and created Ruby on Rails, a tool for making web apps.


Learn how to focus on what matters when starting a new business

Starting a business involves many challenges. You need to come up with a good idea, decide what's important, keep costs low, and hire the right people.

In this summary, Jason Fried shares what he learned from starting his own web app company. His advice can help anyone trying to succeed in business, including managers, marketers, and designers.

The main point is to focus on what's important and skip the unnecessary parts if you want to succeed.

In this summary, you'll learn:

  • Why copying your competitors is a bad idea

  • Why it's better to hire someone with many skills instead of a specialist

  • How to find the best way to work for you

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