Why don’t more developers "use the platform"?
For years, advocates for web standards, performance, and accessibility have implored web developers to “use the platform”. I’ve often been one of those…
The article explores why many developers resist using the platform (i.e., built-in browser APIs) and instead rely on third-party libraries, even when the platform offers more efficient and elegant solutions.
What happened
The article discusses the reasons why many developers prefer to build their own solutions rather than use the built-in platform APIs, such as browser APIs. It explores historical, familiarity, and personal preference factors, and also speculates on how AI coding might impact this trend.
Why it matters
Understanding why developers avoid using the platform is crucial for AI researchers and developers, as it highlights the challenges in promoting efficient and standardized solutions. It also provides insights into how AI tools might influence future coding practices.
- Historical browser limitations and documentation gaps contributed to developers' reliance on third-party libraries.
- Some developers enjoy the process of building their own solutions, leading to a sense of ownership and learning.
- AI coding may influence this trend, with both potential benefits and drawbacks.
- Understanding the reasons behind developers' preferences is important for promoting efficient and standardized solutions.
- The article emphasizes the value of learning platform APIs and the potential for AI to assist in this process.
The bigger picture
The article suggests that developers' reliance on third-party libraries can lead to suboptimal solutions, but also highlights the value of personal coding experiences. It also raises questions about the future of AI coding and its potential to either streamline or complicate the use of platform APIs.
The article concludes that while the 'use the platform' mantra is valuable, it's important to understand why developers resist it. It also speculates on how AI coding might influence this trend, with both optimistic and pessimistic outcomes.
Technical details
- Browser APIs such as CSS and DOM manipulation
- npm packages and React idioms
- Platform APIs like <dialog> and IndexedDB
- ClickHouse as a columnar data store
- AI coding and LLMs (Large Language Models)
FAQ
Why do developers prefer to build their own solutions instead of using the platform?
Developers often prefer to build their own solutions due to historical browser limitations, familiarity with third-party libraries, and personal enjoyment in the coding process.
How might AI coding influence the use of platform APIs?
AI coding could either streamline the use of platform APIs by providing optimal solutions or lead to more custom, non-platform-idiomatic code if developers rely too heavily on AI-generated solutions.
What are some examples of platform APIs that developers often avoid?
Examples include CSS positioning, DOM manipulation, and APIs like <dialog> and IndexedDB.
What role does documentation play in developers' reliance on third-party libraries?
Poor or scattered documentation for platform APIs made third-party libraries more accessible and easier to use for developers.
What is the IKEA effect in the context of coding?
The IKEA effect refers to the sense of ownership and satisfaction developers feel when they build their own solutions, even if they are more complex than using platform APIs.
This summary and analysis were generated with AI from the original article and may contain errors. Read the original for the full story.
Read the full story
Originally published by Lobsters on Oct 3, 2026.
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