Custom Code or Third Party Script?
Today, the internet is filled with plenty of great open-source applications and this leaves web developers with a question they have to ask, "Should I code it myself or should I just use a third-party application?" This post is to help web developers make a decision that they won't live to regret in the future.
Third Party Scripts: The Advantages
1. Don't re-invent the wheel. The great thing about third party scripts is that there is a free/cheap one out there for pretty much anything you want to do. All you have to do is search hotscripts.com or a similar site to find a list of scripts that do just what you want to do.
2. It's quick and easy. Often times these scripts come with simple instructions on how to set them up and get them running quickly and easy. This can be a major plus if you are short on time.
3. Hard work already done. Some scripts have been around for years and because of this, the developers have probably tackled all the problems that a custom code would come across. A simple example of this is blogging and blog spam. The developers of Wordpress have spent alot of time already building ways to fool spam from entering your blog comments. While, unless you have coded it before, you may find yourself spending alot of time tackling these problems yourself.
4. Community of Support. If your using a popular script such as Wordpress you will find loads of information on Google about how to do one thing or another. If you can't find the answer, there is probably a forum somewhere where you can ask your question and someone will help you.
Third Party Scripts: The Disadvantages
1. Forget adding custom code. With some scripts it can be really difficult to make changes if you need something custom added. Don't get me wrong, some of the more popular third party scripts have listened to developers and worked on documentation and making it easier to create plug-ins and upgrades. You will probably spend a few hours simply understanding how the code works before you can build you changes.
2. Stuck in their ways. Let's say 5 years down the road after you have started using a third-party script you decide you want to make some big changes, and one of those changes is to create a custom build version of what this script does. Well you may find that you are going to spend alot of time not only understanding the script but also working on ways to convert the code/database/script into your new custom code/database structure. With larger scripts like forums this can be a huge nightmare especially if you are trying to keep all the same features as the third-party script.
3. Plenty of features, but not the ones you want. Third party scripts were often times built for the original developer's need. Sometimes they then get added onto by other developers to meet there needs. You may find that some scripts have loads of fantastic features, but that special foobar feature that you need isn't there. Whats the use in a third-party script if it doesn't do what you want it to? On to finding another script that might...
Custom Code: The Advantages
1. You built it. The most obvious plus to custom code is that you built it! This means you know how it works in and out and it works the way you code.
2. Easy to upgrade. Because you built it yourself you will find that its easier to understand and develop upgrades. You will know everything you will need to consider with the upgrade, what files need changing, you'll understand the database (if required). It makes the development process alot easier.
3. All the features you need. With custom code, you don't have to worry about a feature that you need not being there. Its purpose built to do exactly what you want it to do.
Custom Code: The Disadvantages
1. Takes time to build. Custom code isn't as easy as just set up and running. You have to plan every aspect out and spend time coding it line by line. If you have tight timescales this can really eat into your time. If you are building a large script like a forum/cms/etc you may find it takes months to build.
2. Unknown Bugs and Problems. No one is perfect (including you) and when you build custom code there will be a few bugs even after extensive testing. You will also find that if you come across a problem, like comment spam, you are then going to have to spend time researching and trying ways to fix the problem.
3. Your on your own. If you have problem with your code your going to have to search harder to find ways to fix these problems. You may have to use online coding forums to ask other developers how to do a certain task or what the best way is to approach it.
The Conclusion
So the conclusion, which is better custom code or third party scripts? Well, neither is better. It really depends on the task at hand and what is most important to you. There are some really great third party scripts out there but there is plenty of potential in custom code.
If you have some experiences where you have had to choose between custom code and third party, leave a comment below and let us know. Maybe others can learn from everyone's experiences.
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bobby sandhu
20 Apr 2010 09:16:08 AM