The hidden costs of free boilerplates

What to look out for – scalability issues, security vulnerabilities, and maintenance challenges.

7 October 2024

Using free boilerplates can seem like a developer’s dream. You get a ready-made foundation for your project, cut down on initial development time, and save lots of money! While not all free boilerplates are bad, some of them may come with hidden costs that can impact scalability, security, and maintainability in the long run. We’ll discuss the potential drawbacks of free boilerplates and outline what to look out for when evaluating them for your SaaS project.

What are free boilerplates?

Free boilerplates are pre-built code templates that provide a basic project structure. They often include core features and setup for common project needs, such as authentication, database integration, and API routing. Popular examples include full-stack templates for frameworks like React, Django, and Express. These boilerplates allow developers to bypass repetitive setup tasks, enabling them to focus on unique project requirements instead of reinventing the wheel.

Hidden costs of free boilerplates

While the appeal of free boilerplates is undeniable, there are several hidden costs that are worth understanding before committing to one.

Limited scalability

Most free boilerplates are designed with general-purpose use in mind, not for the specific needs of your project. As a result, they may lack the flexibility required for complex or scalable applications. For example –

Performance: They may be designed with minimal optimisations, making them inefficient when traffic or data loads increase.
Scalability bottlenecks: The architecture may not support easy scaling, potentially requiring you to rebuild significant portions of the codebase when your user base grows.

Security vulnerabilities

Security is often an afterthought in free boilerplates. Here are some common issues to be aware of.

Outdated dependencies: Free boilerplates may use outdated or insecure libraries, which can leave your application vulnerable to attacks.
Weak authentication: Some boilerplates include basic authentication mechanisms but lack industry-standard security features such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or role-based access control (RBAC).
Insecure configuration defaults: Boilerplates might use simple configurations for ease of use, such as default passwords or open API endpoints, which can create security risks if not properly configured.

Compatibility issues

Another common problem is compatibility, particularly when boilerplates rely on outdated or deprecated dependencies.

Dependency conflicts: You may run into compatibility issues when integrating newer libraries or frameworks.
Limited framework support: If the boilerplate uses an older version of a framework, you may find it difficult to integrate new features or updates.

Maintenance and technical debt

The ease of starting with a free boilerplate can sometimes lead to long-term technical debt.

Complexity in updates: Updating libraries or core components within a boilerplate can lead to breaking changes if dependencies are interwoven in a way that does not support modular updates.
Accumulated code bloat: Many boilerplates come with features and configurations that you might not need. Removing these features without breaking the codebase can be challenging, and unneeded features can clutter your project and slow development.
Limited customisation: Many boilerplates are optimised for rapid deployment rather than for long-term customisation, which may restrict your ability to create unique features.

Legal and licensing risks

Free boilerplates may come with licences that have limitations on their commercial use. Failing to consider licensing terms can result in legal issues down the line.

Limited commercial use: Some licences restrict the way code can be used commercially, so review licensing terms carefully before incorporating a boilerplate into your product.
Open source compliance: If the boilerplate includes multiple open-source dependencies, you may be required to maintain compliance with each dependency’s licensing terms, which can be challenging and time-consuming.

How to evaluate free boilerplates

Given the potential drawbacks, it’s important to evaluate a free SaaS boilerplate carefully before adopting it. Here’s what to look out for.

Look for active maintenance and community support

Look for boilerplates that have been recently updated and have an active community:

Frequent updates: Regular updates indicate that the project is actively maintained. This reduces the risk of outdated dependencies and security vulnerabilities.
Community size: A large user base often means more resources, tutorials, and issue resolutions that can help when you face challenges.

Check code quality and structure

Consider the overall quality and organisation of the code in the boilerplate:

Clean architecture: Look for well-organised files, modular structure, and clear documentation.
Extensibility: A good boilerplate should make it easy to add or modify features without extensive rewrites.
Testing coverage: A boilerplate that includes test cases (e.g. unit tests, integration tests) is generally more reliable and easier to modify safely.

Review dependencies and security practices

Examine the boilerplate’s dependencies to ensure they align with current security and compatibility standards.

Dependency management: Check for popular, well-supported dependencies and ensure that the boilerplate uses recent versions.
Security best practices: Look for security features like input validation, data sanitization, and authentication protocols. If you plan to handle sensitive data, consider conducting a security audit.

Examine licensing terms

Make sure the boilerplate’s licensing terms align with your project’s requirements.

Commercial usage rights: Verify that you have the right to use the boilerplate for commercial purposes if necessary.
Compliance with open source licenses: Check each dependency’s license to ensure compliance, particularly if you intend to redistribute or monetise your product.

Plan for potential technical debt

Evaluate the boilerplate for signs of potential technical debt that may arise from unused or bloated code.

Remove unnecessary features: Start by stripping away any features or configurations you won’t need.
Document changes: Keep clear documentation on any changes you make, especially if you modify core functionality, to make future updates more manageable.

Conclusion

To use or not to use free SaaS boilerplates?

Free SaaS boilerplates can offer significant advantages, especially for projects on a tight budget or timeline. However, they should be used cautiously and thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of the potential hidden costs. Before adopting a boilerplate, conduct a thorough assessment of its architecture, security practices, maintenance activity, and licensing terms.

In some cases, it might be more efficient to use the boilerplate as a learning tool or starting point, then build your own solution tailored to your project’s specific needs. By carefully evaluating free boilerplates, you can avoid common pitfalls, keep long-term costs in check, and build a robust application that will grow smoothly with your business.

In summary, understanding the hidden costs of free boilerplates can save you from unforeseen complications down the road, ensuring that your project remains scalable, secure, and manageable in the long term.