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Development Approaches

FLYPILOT is a full-service development agency with expertise across multiple technology stacks. Choose the right approach based on project requirements, timeline, and client needs.

Technology Stack Overview​

WordPress Development​

For content-managed websites and marketing sites:

E-commerce Development​

For online stores and e-commerce solutions:

Full-Stack Custom Development​

For web applications, SaaS products, and complex interactive experiences:

WordPress Development Approaches​

WordPress powers content-managed websites and marketing sites where clients need easy content editing capabilities.

WordPress: Elementor Approach​

When to Use​

  • Marketing websites and landing pages
  • Projects requiring quick turnaround (< 2 weeks)
  • Client needs visual, drag-and-drop editing capabilities
  • Budget-conscious projects
  • Sites with straightforward content management needs

Technical Setup​

  • Theme: Hello Elementor
  • Child Theme: Only needed if editing theme files directly
  • Required Plugin: Elementor Pro
  • Optional Plugins: Elementor-compatible add-ons as needed

Development Workflow​

  1. Install Hello Elementor theme
  2. Install and activate Elementor Pro
  3. Set up Global Colors and Typography in Elementor settings
  4. Create page templates using Elementor's Template Builder
  5. Build pages with drag-and-drop interface
  6. Save reusable sections as templates
  7. Use Elementor's theme builder for headers, footers, and custom post types

Advantages​

  • Speed: Rapid development and deployment
  • Client-friendly: Visual editing interface
  • No coding required: Most customization through GUI
  • Template library: Extensive pre-built designs
  • Responsive by default: Built-in responsive controls

Limitations​

  • Performance: Can generate heavy CSS/JS
  • Customization ceiling: Limited by Elementor's capabilities
  • Vendor lock-in: Content tied to Elementor shortcodes
  • Code quality: Generated markup may not be optimal
  • SEO considerations: Extra markup can impact page speed

WordPress: Gutenberg Approach​

When to Use​

  • Complex sites requiring custom functionality
  • Projects needing optimal performance and SEO
  • Sites with unique design requirements
  • Long-term projects with evolving needs
  • Developer-centric workflows

Technical Setup​

  • Theme: WordPress Twenty Twenty-Five or other block-based themes
  • Child Theme: Create when custom functionality needed
  • Additional Tools: Full Site Editor, Block Pattern library

Development Workflow​

  1. Install block-based theme (Twenty Twenty-Five recommended)
  2. Create child theme if custom functionality needed
  3. Configure theme.json for design system
  4. Build custom block patterns for reusable layouts
  5. Create custom blocks for unique functionality
  6. Use Full Site Editor for template creation
  7. Implement custom styling with SCSS/CSS

Advantages​

  • Performance: Clean, semantic HTML output
  • Flexibility: Unlimited customization possibilities
  • Future-proof: Native WordPress technology
  • SEO-optimized: Clean markup and fast loading
  • Developer control: Full access to code and structure
  • Scalability: Easy to extend and modify

Limitations​

  • Learning curve: Requires WordPress block development knowledge
  • Development time: Longer initial setup and development
  • Technical skill: Requires coding expertise

WordPress: Gutenberg + DX Approach​

When to Use​

  • Enterprise-level WordPress projects
  • Projects requiring TypeScript and modern tooling
  • Teams with strong frontend development skills
  • Sites with complex interactive requirements
  • Projects with ongoing feature development

Technical Setup​

  • Theme: Block-based theme (Twenty Twenty-Five)
  • Plugin: DX (Developer Experience) Plugin
  • Build Tools: Laravel Mix for asset compilation
  • Languages: TypeScript, SCSS

Development Workflow​

  1. Install block-based theme
  2. Install DX Plugin
  3. Set up dx/ folder structure in theme
  4. Configure Laravel Mix for TypeScript/SCSS
  5. Create ACF blocks with automated registration
  6. Build custom patterns with compiled assets
  7. Use BEM methodology for component styling

Advantages​

All Gutenberg advantages, plus:

  • Modern tooling: TypeScript, SCSS compilation
  • Component architecture: BEM methodology
  • Automated registration: ACF blocks auto-register
  • Design token sync: SCSS variables from theme.json
  • Enhanced DX: Better developer experience

Limitations​

  • Complexity: More moving parts
  • Setup time: Initial configuration takes longer
  • Team skill: Requires modern frontend knowledge

E-commerce Approaches​

Shopify Approach​

When to Use​

  • Dedicated e-commerce stores
  • Clients preferring hosted solutions
  • Projects with tight timelines
  • Standard e-commerce functionality needs
  • Stores with high transaction volumes

Technical Setup​

  • Platform: Shopify
  • Theme: Dawn or custom Liquid theme
  • Tools: Shopify CLI, Theme Kit

Advantages​

  • Hosting included: No server management
  • Security handled: PCI compliance built-in
  • Scalability: Handles high traffic automatically
  • App ecosystem: Large marketplace of add-ons

WooCommerce Approach​

When to Use​

  • E-commerce integrated with content marketing
  • Complex product configurations
  • Custom checkout flows
  • Integration with existing WordPress sites
  • Budget-conscious e-commerce needs

Technical Setup​

  • Platform: WordPress + WooCommerce
  • Theme: Compatible WooCommerce theme
  • Hosting: WPEngine or similar

Advantages​

  • Full control: Complete customization
  • WordPress integration: Unified content management
  • Cost-effective: No transaction fees
  • Extensibility: Hooks and filters for customization

Full-Stack Approach​

Next.js + shadcn/ui Approach​

When to Use​

  • Web applications and SaaS products
  • Complex interactive experiences
  • Projects requiring real-time features
  • Custom authentication and user management
  • High-performance requirements

Technical Setup​

  • Framework: Next.js 14+
  • UI Library: shadcn/ui
  • Database: Supabase or Prisma
  • Authentication: Next-Auth or Clerk
  • Hosting: Vercel

Advantages​

  • Performance: React Server Components
  • SEO: Server-side rendering
  • Developer experience: Hot reload, TypeScript
  • Scalability: Edge deployment
  • Modern stack: Latest React patterns

Approach Selection Guide​

FactorElementorGutenbergGutenberg + DXShopifyWooCommerceNext.js
TimelineFastMediumSlowerFastMediumVariable
BudgetLowMediumHigherMonthlyMediumHigher
CustomizationLimitedHighHighestMediumHighUnlimited
PerformanceLowerHighHighHighMediumHighest
MaintenanceEasyMediumComplexEasyMediumComplex
Client EditingEasyMediumMediumEasyMediumCustom
Choosing the Right Approach

When in doubt, start with the simplest approach that meets requirements. You can always add complexity later, but removing it is harder.