FROM CODE TO PRODUCT: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING AND LEAN STARTUP METHODOLOGY

In the contemporary digital landscape, technical proficiency alone is insufficient to ensure the success of a startup. While software engineering skills enable the creation of functional systems, the transformation of a technical solution into a sustainable digital product requires the integration of business strategy, market validation, and user-centered design. This paper examines the role of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) as a foundational instrument in digital startup development, emphasizing its function as a learning mechanism rather than a finished product. The study analyzes how Agile development cycles and Lean Startup methodologies reduce uncertainty by enabling continuous experimentation, rapid iteration, and early customer feedback.