The blog post "Reinvent the Wheel" argues that reinventing the wheel, specifically in software development, can be a valuable learning experience, especially for beginners. While using existing libraries is often more efficient for production, building things from scratch provides a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts and underlying mechanisms. This hands-on approach can lead to stronger problem-solving skills and the ability to create more customized and potentially innovative solutions in the future, even if the initial creation isn't as polished or efficient. The author emphasizes that this practice should be done intentionally for educational purposes, not in professional settings where established solutions are readily available.
The blog post entitled "Reinvent the Wheel" by Patrick Endler delves into the multifaceted nature of the oft-repeated adage against reinventing the wheel, arguing that while seemingly simple, it requires nuanced understanding and application. Endler posits that the decision to build something oneself, rather than utilize existing solutions, hinges on a complex interplay of factors, including the specific context of the project and the individual's goals.
He begins by acknowledging the generally accepted wisdom of leveraging existing solutions, emphasizing the potential benefits of saving time, effort, and resources by utilizing readily available tools and libraries. He points out the inherent advantages of adopting well-tested, community-supported technologies, which often come with comprehensive documentation, active maintenance, and a wealth of readily accessible expertise. However, he argues against the blanket application of this principle, suggesting that blindly adhering to the avoidance of wheel reinvention can stifle learning, innovation, and the development of truly tailored solutions.
Endler then elaborates on scenarios where reinventing the wheel can be a judicious course of action. He emphasizes the significant pedagogical value of recreating existing tools, asserting that the process of building something from the ground up provides invaluable insights into its underlying mechanics, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying principles and facilitating the acquisition of valuable practical skills. This experiential learning, he argues, can equip individuals with the knowledge and ability to adapt and modify existing solutions or even create entirely new ones tailored to highly specific requirements.
Furthermore, the author discusses the importance of context when considering whether to reinvent the wheel. He suggests that in situations where existing solutions are ill-suited to the particular needs of a project, rebuilding a component with specific functionalities and optimizations can be more efficient and effective than attempting to force-fit a pre-existing tool into an incompatible framework. He notes that this approach allows for greater control over the final product, enabling the creation of bespoke solutions that precisely address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the specific project.
Finally, Endler concludes that the decision of whether or not to reinvent the wheel should not be a binary one, governed by rigid dogma, but rather a carefully considered choice based on a thoughtful evaluation of the project's specific requirements, the individual's learning goals, and the availability of suitable alternatives. He encourages a more nuanced approach, advocating for a discerning evaluation of the potential benefits and drawbacks in each individual circumstance, ultimately empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding the most effective and efficient path towards achieving their objectives. He emphasizes that sometimes the journey of reinvention itself can be as valuable as the destination of a finished product, fostering growth, innovation, and a deeper understanding of the underlying principles at play.
Summary of Comments ( 195 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44083467
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's premise that reinventing the wheel can be beneficial for learning and deeper understanding, particularly for foundational concepts. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of times they reimplemented existing tools, leading to valuable insights and a greater appreciation for the complexities involved. Some cautioned against always reinventing the wheel, especially in production environments where reliability and efficiency are crucial. The discussion also touched upon the importance of knowing when to reinvent – for educational purposes or when existing solutions don't quite fit the specific needs of a project. A few users pointed out the distinction between reinventing for learning versus reinventing in a professional context, highlighting the need for pragmatism in the latter.
The Hacker News post "Reinvent the Wheel" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44083467) discussing the article at https://endler.dev/2025/reinvent-the-wheel/ generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters offering perspectives on the value of reinventing the wheel.
A prominent thread focused on the educational benefits of rebuilding existing tools. One commenter argued that recreating something, even if a superior solution exists, provides invaluable learning experiences, especially for beginners. They emphasized that understanding the underlying mechanics and design choices is crucial for genuine mastery, even if the end product isn't as polished or efficient. This sentiment was echoed by others who recounted their own formative experiences rebuilding software tools, highlighting how it solidified their understanding and allowed them to appreciate the complexities of seemingly simple utilities. This thread underscored the importance of "reinventing the wheel" as a pedagogical tool.
Another commenter pointed out the distinction between blind reinvention and informed reinvention. They argued that simply recreating something without understanding why the original was designed the way it was offers limited benefit. However, if the reinvention is driven by a desire to explore different approaches, optimize for specific constraints, or address shortcomings of the original, then it can be a productive exercise. This comment highlighted the importance of having clear objectives and a critical approach when choosing to reinvent existing solutions.
Several comments touched upon the practical aspects of software development. One user suggested that reinventing the wheel can be useful when existing solutions are encumbered by licensing issues or when specific customizations are required that are difficult to achieve with off-the-shelf tools. Another comment emphasized the value of understanding the internals of tools, even if you don't rebuild them from scratch. This knowledge can be crucial for debugging, troubleshooting, and making informed decisions about which tools to use.
The discussion also touched upon the potential downsides of reinventing the wheel. One commenter cautioned against spending too much time on reinventing common functionalities when robust and well-maintained solutions already exist. They highlighted the importance of focusing on the core value proposition of a project rather than getting bogged down in recreating basic utilities.
In summary, the comments generally acknowledge the potential benefits of reinventing the wheel, particularly for educational purposes and in specific constrained circumstances. However, they also caution against blindly recreating existing solutions without a clear understanding of the underlying principles and the potential trade-offs involved. The thread underscores the importance of approaching the decision to "reinvent the wheel" with a thoughtful and critical mindset.