How do you decide when to invest in custom tooling versus using off-the-shelf solutions?

Question

When does your team choose to build custom solutions, and when do you rely on existing tools? What has been your experience with both approaches?

Accepted Answer

I look at the long-term cost. Sometimes off-the-shelf tools seem cheaper upfront, but the recurring costs or lack of specific features add up.

Sage Wang · Answer

For me, it depends on the scale of the project.

Yatheen Brahma · Answer

It's really a question of flexibility for me. Off-the-shelf tools are great for general needs.

Richard Reis · Answer

To me it's always a binary, price decision.

I'll go with whichever option is cheaper.

Benson Gao · Answer

At the start of a project, I prefer using ready-made solutions. However, as the product grows more complex and the user base expands, and the ready-made solutions can no longer meet the requirements, I lean towards developing my own solutions

Mishkat -e- Noraen · Answer

I usually start with off-the-shelf tools because they’re quicker to implement and less expensive.

How do you decide when to invest in custom tooling versus using off-the-shelf solutions?

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