The best code is always the code that you yourself write. This is because you know exactly how the code works and the thought process that went into its writing. However, as you progress with developing websites, you will find yourself pressed for time. It is during these occasions that you will have to resort to code that someone else has written to save time or to find a better way of solving a problem. If you find yourself in these situations, try to follow these criteria and you will have a better experience.
1. Make sure your host can run the script. Find out exactly what the script requires to run on a server.
2. Does the script fit your requirement? Don’t settle for half measures. If you have to end up modifying a lot of the code or having to compromise on certain features, it is simply not worth it.
3. Can the code be modified to fit certain aspects of the site? Although you don’t want to spend time modifying everything, it is almost a certainty that you will change a few minute details so the code matches certain layouts, colors, etc on your website.
4. Ease of installation. Some types of code can simply be uploaded and used with minor configuration changes however other types of code require more advanced developer skills. Depending on your proficiency in the language, choose the code that fits you better.
5. Does the author offer support? Sometimes you need to talk to the person who wrote the code to clarify certain details. It would be useful if the author is available to troubleshoot your questions.
6. Does it support “mods”? “Mods” and “Plugins” are bits of code written by users other than the main author to modify a large piece of code. For example, WordPress can be modified by thousands of “mods” that are available online.
7. Free or pay? Depending on your budget you will have to choose or fluctuate between these two types of code. If you have enough time on your hands to look for it, you can always find good code for free. But if you are in a hurry, buying code is not a bad option. However, you should remember that not all things you pay for guarantee quality.