The Rise of Personal Software: It's time to build your own tools

There's a software market with guaranteed product-market fit: You.

When you're both the developer and the sole user, you're guaranteed to have a perfect understanding of the requirements. Don't like a feature? Change it. Need something specific? Add it. The feedback loop is instantaneous, and the iterations are driven purely by your needs.

Today's technology landscape offers numerous entry points for personal software development. Chrome Extensions can enhance your browsing experience, automating repetitive tasks or adding features you've always wished existed. Google Apps Script lets you create powerful automation within your workspace. Simple mobile apps can be built using platforms App Sheet, while personal blogs give you control over your online presence.

It's never been easier to build these simple apps thanks to recent technological advances. Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude Sonnet 3.5 and Gemini Flash 2.0 can assist with coding and debugging, serverless platforms eliminate infrastructure headaches, and low-code/no-code tools provide visual development environments. You don't need to be a seasoned developer to start building – you just need a problem worth solving for yourself.

There are several advantages to personal software development. You gain complete control over your digital tools, with the flexibility to modify them as your needs evolve. Customization reaches levels impossible with commercial software, as every feature is crafted to your specifications. Building personal tools can help you learn new technical skills. Cost-wise, while there's an investment of time, you're free from recurring subscription fees. Perhaps most importantly, there's an immense sense of pride and joy in using tools you've created yourself.

However, even when building for yourself, it is important to prioritize privacy and security. These personal projects shouldn't compromise your data security or privacy. Furthermore, sometimes the right decision will be to buy software versus build it yourself. When the stakes are high or the effort to build it is high, it may make more sense to buy the software instead of building it yourself.

The next time you find yourself frustrated with existing software options, remember: you have the power to build exactly what you need. Your perfect tool is waiting to be created – by you, for you. Start simple, focus on solving real problems you encounter, and gradually expand your personal software ecosystem as your skills and needs grow.