The tools we use shape the projects we build. One of them is the SaaS Boilerplate, originally developed as an internal tool at Apptension.
The origins
Apptension, a place where innovation thrives, initially created the SaaS Boilerplate for its internal needs. Given that all employees at Apptension were Mac users, the tool was primarily tailored for the MacOS environment. However, as the potential of this tool became evident, the decision was made to release it to the public and make it open source. This move was met with enthusiasm, but it also brought to light a significant oversight: the tool wasn't optimized for the vast community of Windows developers. Feedback poured in, and the call for Windows optimization became louder.
What is SaaS Boilerplate?
For those unfamiliar with it, SaaS Boilerplate is a full starting point for a SaaS product rather than a single development tool. In essence, it is a fully functional foundation upon which a variety of web apps can be built. Once installed on a client’s AWS account, it includes these two core architectural modules:
- Infrastructure on AWS, including CI/CD;
- And an application code that houses generic functions, such as logins and subscriptions.
Developer teams can reuse these high-quality modules instead of building them from scratch, which speeds up development.
For more on the SaaS Boilerplate and the story behind its creation, see the dedicated page about SaaS Boilerplate
Bridging the gap for Windows users
As we open sourced SaaS Boilerplate, many Windows users faced challenges when trying to run it. The primary reason? They had to rely on WSL 2 (Windows Subsystem for Linux) which allows Windows users to run a Linux kernel without dual boot. While this is a powerful and valuable feature, it's not a standard way to work in web development, so, as a result, many found it confusing.
Recognizing the need to cater to a broader audience, we embarked on a mission to make SaaS Boilerplate fully cross-platform. This involved rewriting all 'shell' and 'make' rules to Node.js, so the tool works on Windows as well as on Mac and Linux.
The new CLI: simplifying processes
Our efforts culminated in a CLI (Command Line Interface) based on Oclif. This framework simplifies the user experience, allowing them to run SaaS Boilerplate as simple as with 'pnpm saas up' command.
What this means for you
Web development is about evolution and adaptability. By refining SaaS Boilerplate to cater to all major operating systems, we're championing a more inclusive development environment. Whether you're on Mac, Linux, or Windows, your experience with SaaS Boilerplate is set to be smooth and efficient.