As you read this article, I am assuming that you are planning to create a website and you are in a dilemma to decide whether to use pre-built scripts like Joomla/WordPress/OSCommerce or develop a custom script that meets your specific requirements.
This has been a million dollar question for all those who decide to start a business with an online presence, but end up consuming a lot of time in research and discussion with programmers/developers. Finally end up with what the programmer suggests and go with any of these not knowing the best way to meet your requirements.
Let me first deal with the pre-built scripts.
WHY SHOULD YOU REINVENT THE WHEEL? – Ask yourself this question if you choose to use custom scripts.
If you are planning to start a blog site, then there is already a script that does this and WordPress stands head and shoulders above all the pre-built blog scripts. All you need to do is download the script, install it on your web server and start tweaking it to match your themes/functionality.
If you plan to set up a simple/basic Content Management System (CMS), there are scripts like Joomla/Drupal that do this and you can download and install it on your web server and modify it to meet your requirements.
All you need is a basic understanding of how to upload files to the server and follow the instructions provided by the script provider and you’ll be up and running in minutes, both the provider and the community that actively supports the scripts.
You will not be the only one facing problems with the scripts and many will have faced the same problems that you have with the script and the community will have given you the solution in the forums associated with the script provider’s support site. Therefore, you do not need a third party to help you troubleshoot, but you can do so by following the steps/procedures mentioned in the forums by community members.
But you must check the licenses associated with each script, Terms of Service, copyright infringements, and adhere to all legal bindings that come with pre-built scripts.
Now let me deal with the custom scripts.
After doing some research on the web with the help of Google, still if you don’t find any pre-built script that meets your requirements, then the only option is to go with custom script development.
First, you need to write a detailed specification document along with any user interface prototypes or wireframes that will help the developer or development company understand the requirements.
Choosing a developer or a company is the second difficult aspect as you need to check their reputation, their level of experience in handling custom scripts and it is also safer to check references with your clients.
Once you choose the developer, talk to them about the project and make sure they understand the requirements and then finalize the time and cost estimate along with the delivery deadline.
The main drawback of dealing with a custom script is that you will not get community support and you will have to trust the developer or company that helped you develop the script. If you lose the relationship with the developer, you should go the extra mile to find a replacement developer and give them enough time to study the script the previous developer has created.
With the custom script, you can own the copyright of the script, modify it, sell it without copyright/third party licenses. In summary, there are pros and cons with pre-built and custom scripts.
custom scripts
- No license required
- I need to trust the developer
- Free to do what you need
- takes time to develop
- No third party copyright
Pre-built scripts
- License required as indicated by the seller
- Provider support and community support
- Vendor Provided Limitations
- Easy to install and modify
- Copyright with the seller
I hope this article gives you some pointers in deciding whether you want to use custom scripts or prebuilt scripts.