{"id":139636,"date":"2014-10-30T13:00:51","date_gmt":"2014-10-30T18:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getflywheel.com\/?p=6359"},"modified":"2024-01-25T10:11:34","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T16:11:34","slug":"code-from-scratch-or-template","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/wpengine.com\/case-studies\/resources\/code-from-scratch-or-template\/","title":{"rendered":"Should you Code From Scratch or a Template?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
It\u2019s time to build a website, which means you\u2019re about to take one of two paths: code from scratch or work from a template. Coding a website from scratch allows much more freedom and customization but is a little longer of a route. The second path, starting with a website template, is much quicker and simpler but can limit your creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both methods have their pros and cons, and realistically you can probably make either option work. But that doesn\u2019t mean that one isn\u2019t a heck of a lot better than the other for the particular project you\u2019re working on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask yourself these four questions to decide if coding from scratch or from a template is best for your next website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you Have the Skills to Code it from Scratch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
How difficult is the website you need to build compared to projects you\u2019ve done in the past? Is there a learning curve to tackle, or does the solution come naturally to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you know where to start and how to get to the final product, then by all means keep coding from scratch as an option. One of the benefits of a template is that it does a lot of the structural work for you. That\u2019s great if you need the help, but if you know what you\u2019re doing, a template might get annoying with its limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have the skills yet to complete this project, that doesn\u2019t automatically rule out building a website from scratch. Be honest with yourself: Will you be able to gain the skills needed in a timely manner? Or is it best for your client (and your sanity) that you sit this one out and start with a template?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s nothing wrong with challenging yourself with a new project. But be realistic and choose your battles with code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you Have the Time to Code it From Scratch?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s the deadline for this project? Do you have adequate time to play with it, or does it need to be done by, like, yesterday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One great thing about templates is that they\u2019re quick and easy to set up. Sure, you might still dive into the code to change certain aspects, but overall you can go live pretty quickly. If your client just needs a site up fast and isn\u2019t too picky about how it looks, using a template is a pretty great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t have such a tight deadline and have time to play with a website, feel free to experiment. Play with the code and make it something truly unique and special for your client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Does the Client Need to Understand the Code?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Your client may know nothing about code or everything about code. And if they want to be involved with the website once you\u2019re done building it, you have to keep their skill level in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your client only knows the basics of HTML and CSS, you\u2019ll make their life a lot easier by building off a template. Using a WordPress layout, for example, will allow them small customization options without ever having to dive into the code. They\u2019ll love how easy you\u2019ve made it for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For advanced clients, or the clients who never want anyone to touch the code besides yourself, go nuts. Start from scratch and have fun it with. Since it doesn\u2019t need to be simplified, don\u2019t settle for the basics. Go ahead and use those fun tricks you\u2019ve learned over the years to make a killer site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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