Victor Björklund, Phoenix project generator customization expert, explains how to customize mix phx.new and discusses customizing the Phoenix generators for existing projects. The podcast also explores the idea of supporting 3rd-party maintained generators and their potential benefits. A fun discussion that generates ideas for project customization.
Customizing Phoenix project generators can save time and ensure consistent code across projects.
Balancing the complexity of changes with the benefits they provide is important when customizing Phoenix generators.
Both generators and macros have their advantages and drawbacks, and finding a balance between them is crucial for efficient development in Phoenix projects.
Deep dives
Customizing Phoenix Generators
This podcast episode discusses how to customize Phoenix generators to generate code that aligns better with your specific needs and preferences. The host and guest explore the process of modifying the Phoenix installer and templates to add additional functionality and libraries to new projects. They highlight the benefits of customizing generators, such as saving time, maintaining consistency across projects, and avoiding missing important code. They also discuss the difference between modifying the installer for new projects and modifying generators in existing projects. The importance of balancing the complexity of changes with the time and effort they save is emphasized. The conversation concludes by considering the possibility of community-driven alternative generators for Phoenix and the benefits and drawbacks of working with generators versus macros.
Adding Libraries to Phoenix Projects
The episode provides an example of customizing Phoenix generators by adding the Ooban library to all projects created with the Phoenix installer. The speaker explains the process of modifying the installer code and templates to include the desired library. The significance of automating the inclusion of frequently used libraries is highlighted, particularly for those who start multiple projects. The importance of considering the complexity of changes and staying up-to-date with Phoenix updates is also discussed. The episode concludes with a mention of a potential community-driven alternative generator project for Phoenix.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Generators versus Macros
The discussion touches on the advantages and disadvantages of using generators in Phoenix projects compared to macros. The guest reflects on the ease of understanding and maintaining generator code, as well as the visibility it provides. They also acknowledge the benefits of macros, such as reducing code through composition and ease of updating, but note potential drawbacks related to code visibility and understanding. A balance between the two approaches is advocated, depending on the complexity and long-term maintainability of the changes being made. The possibility of an installer for custom generators and the potential for community-driven alternative generators is also considered.
When to Customize Phoenix Generators
The benefits and considerations for customizing Phoenix generators are explored. The episode discusses scenarios where custom generators can be time-saving and ensure consistent code across projects, highlighting the importance of automating repetitive tasks. The guest provides an example of adding the Ouban library to all projects to demonstrate the value of customizing generators. They also emphasize the need to balance the complexity of changes with the benefits they provide. The episode concludes with encouragement for listeners to explore the code of Phoenix generators and feel confident in making modifications when needed.
Exploring Templating in Phoenix Projects
The episode delves into the concept of templating in Phoenix projects and how it can be customized for specific requirements. The guest discusses the process of modifying the Phoenix installer and templates, highlighting the ease of understanding and the flexibility of the code. The benefits of customizing generators, such as time savings and code consistency, are explained. The discussion also touches on the benefits of macros and their potential drawbacks, highlighting the need to find a balance between both approaches based on the complexity of the changes being made. The possibilities of community-driven alternative generators and the presence of escape hatches in Elixir are also mentioned.
We've all run "mix phx.new", but have you ever thought to customize what that does? We talk with Victor Björklund who explains how we can create customized Phoenix project generators and why we might want to. We also discuss customizing the phoenix generators for our already generated projects. We explore the idea of supporting 3rd-party maintained generators and what that might look like. A fun discussion sure to “generate” ideas for your project!
