Open Source vs Hand Made

[Ross]

I've seen many websites where almost everything they use is an open source program of some sort. This can include things like their hit counter, shoutbox, guest map, poll system and usually their forum. And this may be very well for them, they get what they want for free. But is it really worth it? For many of these addons support can be a rare commodity since the only person with any real knowledge of the code is the creator. And you usually have to put up with having a link to the creators website somewhere on your own.

So do you support the use of open source software on your own website? Or do you prefer to hand code everything yourself no matter how much longer it takes to do? Or are you the type of person who would employ someone to write you a custom addon for your website?

Personaly, I'm a hand code it type of person. No matter what the software is, 9 times out of 10 I'd rather write it myself so that I know exactly what it is doing and so that I know exactly what isn't working when it goes wrong. And when there's something I really don't know how to do, I'd much rather go without instead of using an open source version

[FireIndy]

Well, it depends on what type of open source it is. If it is like a counter, then yah they are cool and good to have. But so many websites do ask for their banner (etc) on your site that you put a lot of effort into. On the opposite hand, its good to use open source, because most of the time it is free. I am the guy who likes to hard-code everything. But, open-source does provide good examples. It helps show points that I am trying to accomplish in my own code, so I guess I say I am half and half. Hard-Coding it lets you create your own codes, without the mess of functions and all the other jumble in the way, while open source gives you that step forward with want you to do. But for coders, everyone loves code snippets.....

[dog199200]

I don't like open source codes, I would rather make the codes my self so if I need to change it later for what ever reason I can or in case theres something wrong with it I can fix it, but that is were I come to a halt. I'm still learning how to code and can't consintrait on the code when I do try to code, so I'm stuck with open source codes. As for me supporting using open source codes on my own website, I really would rather not, but you got to do what you got to do or in this case you got to use what you can use. And for the would I pay someone to do a code for me, the answers no, I would pay someone to teach me what to do then do it my self all going back to the reason I would then be able to edit it later. Well now I think I'm rambling, so I hope I answered the question.

[Danny]

Yeah I agree open sourse codes like hit counters and like count down to your birthday clocks should be hand coded. As for the count down to your birthday clocks I dont even think they should be used, they make the website look ugly. Coding a simple hit counter yourself that matches the interface is the best way to go

[Soul-Divider]

I'd much prefer to write as much of the forum's hacks as possible, but, in that comes a limit. I'm not able to write most of the stuff sso I gotta use open source stuff or just various codes people will allow you to use.
I personally cannot stand those shout boxes, counters, maps and other things. They lag the forums like crazy, and often have adds or a naf link on the page -.-

[Ross]

Actually, you bringing up the issue of lag reminded me of another downside to open source software. Each code needs to be self sufficient so that it can work on pretty much every website. However this means that many elements of its core programming are repeated. When you build it as part of your own site, you can encorperate your existing security checks and functions.

[FireIndy]

Yah, I think hard coding overall is better. Open source stuff can be good, unless you over do it.

[ME!]

Open Source is good for reference only, unless its coding in a way that it can be just installed. I personally prefer writing my own codes, it will perform only what i want, and the style wont variate. Also tis a lot easier to test bugs and fix them when you wrote the code from scratch.