Bring Your Own (BYO) General FAQ

Overview

Learn more about the BYO (Bring Your Own) framework and discover common questions in our frequently asked questions article.

The Bring Your Own framework is intended for developers who have a strong understanding of the Unqork Designer Platform and JavaScript JavaScript is an object-oriented computer programming language. It is most-commonly used for interactive effects in the browser..

Bring Your Own Framework FAQ

Discover common questions about the BYO framework in the section below:

What is Bring Your Own (BYO) in Unqork?

The BYO framework lets you create your own regenerative Regenerative software can self-identify and correct errors in real time by using artificial intelligence or other means. components, events, and operations for the Unqork Designer Platform. That way, Creators Also known as Unqork Users, or Designer Users; is anyone who is inside the Unqork platform. have the flexibility to extend Unqork's functionality by implementing third-party JavaScript JavaScript is an object-oriented computer programming language. It is most-commonly used for interactive effects in the browser. libraries, bespoke functionality, and proprietary business logic.

How does BYO differ from the existing Content component in Unqork?

Unqork's Content component lets Creators add custom JavaScript, but it lacks structure and maintainability. BYO solves this issue by providing a more robust, standardized, and regenerative Regenerative software can self-identify and correct errors in real time by using artificial intelligence or other means. way to integrate custom functionality. With BYO, Creators Also known as Unqork Users, or Designer Users; is anyone who is inside the Unqork platform. have full control over the DOM structure The Document Object Model (DOM) is the data representation of objects that form the structure and content of a document on the web. The DOM represents the page., styling, and interactions of custom-built components. BYO also leverages Unqork APIs APIs (application programming interfaces) are a set of protocols and definitions developers use to build and integrate application software. APIs act as the connective tissue between products and services. to seamlessly integrate them into applications, and produce no-code assets for use in the Module Builder.

What are the key benefits of using BYO?

The BYO framework provides the following benefits:

  • Flexibility: Creators can integrate their preferred third-party libraries and scripts as no-code solutions, providing greater flexibility.

  • Maintainability: BYO components follow a clear contract with Unqork, which makes them easier to manage and update over time. Compared to the impromptu approach of the Content component, BYO provides a more structured way to integrate custom functionality.

  • Reusability: After defining a BYO asset, Creators can drag it into any module. Additionally, BYO asset updates reflect everywhere in a company's environment, making it your own no-code asset.

What types of assets can I bring into Unqork using BYO?

With BYO, you can create the following types of custom assets:

  • Components: Import third-party libraries, like AG Grid, D3 charts, or payment processing systems.

  • Events: Import or create events like onClick and onHover.

  • Operations: Import API calls and custom business logic.

Learn more about Events & Operations in our Introduction to the Operations Builder article.

How do I create a BYO package?

To create a BYO package, follow Unqork's documentation on how to structure your files:

How do I integrate a BYO package into my Unqork application?

After creating a BYO package, upload it to the Custom Assets Administration page in the Unqork Designer Platform. The platform scans your package and extracts the details of your BYO components, events, and operations. After integration, Creators can use these assets in Unqork modules as they would use any Unqork component.

Can I use frameworks like React or Angular in my BYO package?

No. At this time, developers can only use plain, non-framework JavaScript JavaScript is an object-oriented computer programming language. It is most-commonly used for interactive effects in the browser.. Doing so prevents version conflicts and ensures compatibility with Unqork's runtime. However, there are many supported libraries that provide a framework-agnostic version for use.

How does BYO handle styling and DOM manipulation?

Using BYO, developers have full control over the DOM structure The Document Object Model (DOM) is the data representation of objects that form the structure and content of a document on the web. The DOM represents the page. and styling of custom components. They can define styling targets and use custom stylesheets to apply styles.

Unqork strongly advises that developers avoid directly manipulating the outer DOM The Document Object Model (DOM) is the data representation of objects that form the structure and content of a document on the web. The DOM represents the page. of the component. Instead, use the provided APIs to interact with the component. Unqork does not support interactions with the platform outside the bounds of the methods provided in our API. Customers are responsible for the maintenance and functionality of their custom components.

Can I use other Unqork components inside my BYO component?

No. At this time, Creators cannot drag other Unqork components directly into a BYO component. However, Creators can pass settings to a BYO component that inform what should be shown in child components.

What is the difference between the Closed Beta and Open Beta releases of BYO?

Closed Beta (7.24) is a limited release where Unqork is working closely with a small group of clients to develop early feedback. BYO in closed beta provides the following features:

  • Only available in the Staging environment.

  • Requires Unqork approval and outreach.

  • Optionally providing feature feedback about the functionality and other enhancements you'd want in a custom regenerative component.

The BYO framework will be more widely available in Open Beta (7.26). Expect additional support for custom operations and UX UX (user experience) is what an end-user experiences when using your application. improvements to the administration pages. Open beta will provide the following:

  • Available in every environment level.

  • All customers can opt-in to gain feature access.

    After the release of 7.26, unless otherwise noted, issues that break functionality are considered bugs and should be reported.

How does BYO fit into Unqork's no-code philosophy?

BYO might feel like it moves away from Unqork's no-code approach, but it's actually a regenerative improvement to the Content component experience. It provides a structured way for clients to contribute their own custom functionality, while keeping the output a no-code asset when inside of Unqork. Custom components built with BYO still perform as Unqork components, so you can easily manage and reuse them like built-in components.