Buy a boilerplate or build it yourself?

LAST UPDATED: August 05, 2024

Many developers have started selling starters with extra features now, and some developers are against it. They believe shelling out money for a typical setup isn't really worthwhile.

The reality? Well, it comes down to your level of expertise, how much money you've got to spare time, and what your end goal is.

As for me, I've done both. I purchased one premium setup, but also decided to develop my own since I wasn't satisfied with the quality and believed others might benefit from it. I considered making it available for free, but let's face it, bills need paying. Still, this justification didn't sit right with me, so I created a set of free UI components called Indie UI. This is my way of giving something back to the development community.

Now let's start with the comparison

Buying a Boilerplate

Pros

Time-Saving: boilerplates are designed to be ready out of the box. You can quickly set up your project and start development without worrying about foundational code.

Proven Reliability: Commercial boilerplates are often tested and used by many developers, ensuring a certain level of reliability and bug-free experience.

Comprehensive Features: Many purchased boilerplates come with a suite of built-in features and integrations that you might need, such as user authentication, API integrations, and responsive design.

Support and Updates: Paid boilerplates usually offer customer support and regular updates, ensuring your project stays up-to-date with the latest technologies and security practices.

Cons

Cost: Buying a boilerplate can be costly, and ongoing support or updates may require additional expenses.

Lack of Customization: Pre-made boilerplates may not perfectly fit your project's specific needs, leading to potential limitations in customization.

Dependency Risks: Relying on third-party software can introduce risks if the provider discontinues support or goes out of business.

Learning Experience: Premium starters offer insights into production-ready code architecture and reusable component design.

Building Your Own Boilerplate

Pros

Full Control: Building your own boilerplate gives you complete control over the codebase, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your project's requirements.

Learning Experience: Creating a boilerplate from scratch can be a valuable learning experience, deepening your understanding of the technologies and frameworks you're using.

Scalability: A custom-built boilerplate can be designed with scalability in mind, ensuring it grows alongside your project's needs.

No Licensing Issues: When you build your own boilerplate, you avoid potential licensing issues that can arise with third-party software.

Cons

Time-Consuming: Building a boilerplate from scratch can be time-consuming, delaying the start of your actual project development.

Initial Complexity: Creating a robust and well-structured boilerplate requires a solid understanding of best practices and can be complex, especially for less experienced developers.

Maintenance Burden: You'll be responsible for maintaining and updating your boilerplate, which can be a continuous and resource-intensive task.

Making the Decision

Here are a few questions to consider:

  • What is your project's timeline? If you need to launch quickly, a pre-made boilerplate might be the better option.

  • What is your budget? If you have the funds to invest in a reliable commercial boilerplate, it can save you time and effort.

  • What are your customization needs? If your project requires highly specific features or integrations, building your own boilerplate might be necessary.

  • What is your your level of expertise? If your team has the skills and experience to build a robust boilerplate, it can be a rewarding and scalable solution.

In conclusion, both buying and building your own boilerplate have their merits. Assess your project's unique requirements and constraints to make the best decision. Whether you choose to buy or build, the right boilerplate can set a strong foundation for your web development project, ensuring its success and scalability in the long run.