Meaning
Proof of Concept; a small, preliminary implementation used to verify that a technical concept or theory is feasible.
Three examples from work
Architecture exploration
LeadBefore committing to graph databases, let's build a quick PoC.
DevI can test querying one million nodes in Neo4j over the weekend.
Client proposal
ClientCan computer vision detect product defects in real time?
ConsultantWe will deliver a two-week PoC using sample factory footage to prove accuracy.
Evaluation sync
CTODid the audio streaming PoC meet our latency targets?
DevYes, latency stayed under 180 milliseconds on WebRTC.
Pronounce as 'P-O-C'. Unlike an MVP, a PoC is rarely user-facing and is typically discarded once feasibility is determined.