Boilerplate code
Standard, repetitive code needed at the start of many programs.
Boilerplate code is the basic, common code that starts many programs. It's often the same from one program to the next. Think of it like a template or a standard opening for a document.
For example, in many programming languages, you need to write specific lines of code just to set up a new file or a basic function before you can add your unique instructions. This setup code is boilerplate.
Boilerplate code refers to sections of code that are repeated across multiple programs or modules with little or no alteration. It often includes setup, configuration, or standard structural elements required by a programming language, framework, or API.
While necessary for program structure and functionality, boilerplate can increase code volume and obscure the core logic. Modern development practices and tools aim to reduce boilerplate through code generation, abstractions, and frameworks.
The recent mention of boilerplate code relates to how tools like custom GPTs can abstract away repetitive setup. This allows developers to focus on unique logic rather than common starting code, accelerating the development process.
- Surging developer productivity with custom GPTsOpenAI · OpenAI News ·
- OpenAI ChatGPT
- OpenAI's custom GPTs can help reduce the need for developers to write boilerplate code by providing pre-built functionalities and structures.
- Template
- A template is a pre-designed structure or pattern that can be filled i
- Library
- A library is a collection of pre-written code that provides specific fu
- Framework
- A framework provides a foundational structure for applications, dicta
The term 'boilerplate' originates from the printing industry, referring to metal plates used for printing repetitive text or images. In programming, it signifies code that is standard and repeated.
You can see boilerplate reduction in action by comparing a simple 'Hello, World!' program written from scratch in a language like Python versus one created using a basic web framework. The framework version will likely have more initial files and code, but it sets up a more complex application structure automatically.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
- TemplateTemplate for building an AI tool tailored to your workA structured approach to defining and building a custom AI tool for specific business needs. · 15 min
- TemplateEvals CSV prompt list for agent skillsA CSV file template for listing prompts used in evaluating agent skills. · 20 min
- HeuristicDouble coding agent task completion with docs linksProviding coding agents with a documentation link significantly increases their task completion rate. · 2 min
Questions people ask
- Why is boilerplate code needed?
- Boilerplate code is often required by programming languages, libraries, or frameworks to set up the basic structure, configurations, or entry points for a program to run correctly.
- How can I reduce boilerplate code?
- You can reduce boilerplate code by using programming language features like decorators or annotations, employing code generation tools, or leveraging frameworks that abstract away common setup tasks.
First seen on Subvolts Jun 18, 2024. Updated Sep 15, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.