# Vertical slice

Concept · [Product](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/product)

Also called: vertical slices, thin slice, end-to-end slice, tracer bullet

A small piece of a product built all the way through, from screen to [database](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/database) to [deployment](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/deployment), so it actually works for a user, rather than building every layer separately.

**For example:** Instead of finishing the whole [database](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/database) first, a team ships one vertical slice: a user can sign up and book one class.

## Connects to (4)

- [MVP](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/mvp): Minimum viable product.
- [Deployment](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/deployment): Putting the latest version of your app onto the live servers where real users can reach it.
- [Front end](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/front-end): The part of an app or website that people see and tap, running in their browser or on their phone.
- [Back end](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/back-end): The part of an app that runs out of sight on a server.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/vertical-slice