Why developers overlook features their platform already provides

Nolan Lawson examines why developers choose libraries or custom code over browser capabilities. Familiar APIs, better documentation and the enjoyment of building something all play a role. His examples extend beyond JavaScript: he describes replacing unnecessary application-level storage machinery after learning how ClickHouse already compresses and selects column data, then checking that understanding with a benchmark.

Nolan Lawson · Oct 3, 2026

Why it matters

Learning an underlying platform can remove maintenance work that initially looked necessary.

More context

Try a small design review before adding a dependency: read the relevant platform documentation and compare it against your actual requirements. Treat the article as an experienced developer’s argument and examples, not a universal rule against libraries.

Keep in mind

The author acknowledges historical platform gaps and useful framework ergonomics. His ClickHouse example is a reported experience; 1min has not reproduced its benchmark or evaluated your application’s alternatives.

Original read