Question 1

How do I update this boilerplate to Ionic 5 or 6?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to manually migrate the project structure and dependencies, as this boilerplate is built on Ionic 3. Check the Ionic migration guides and update config files, but it may require significant rework due to breaking changes in newer versions.

Question 2

Can I use GitHub Actions instead of GitLab CI with this setup?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires extensive customization. The boilerplate is pre-configured for GitLab CI with specific variables and scripts, so you'd need to rewrite the CI pipeline and adjust environment settings to fit GitHub Actions.

Question 3

What's the difference between this and the official Ionic starter template?

Accepted Answer

This boilerplate adds comprehensive tooling like integrated testing, linting, CI/CD, and automated builds, whereas the official starter is more minimal. It's better for teams wanting production-ready workflows out of the box.

Question 4

How to add a new Cordova plugin to this ionic boilerplate?

Accepted Answer

Use Cordova commands directly, as advised in the README to avoid ionic state issues. Run 'cordova plugin add <plugin-name>' and save it in config.xml, not package.json, to maintain consistency.

Question 5

Is this boilerplate good for large enterprise apps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, due to its emphasis on testing, code quality, and automation, but be aware of the Ionic 3 limitation and complex setup. For very large teams, the GitLab CI focus might require adjustments if using other tools.

Question 6

Why does the README say to avoid Windows?

Accepted Answer

Windows setup has known issues with Ionic and Cordova tooling, such as path problems and build errors. The author recommends Mac or Linux for reliability, though tips are provided for Windows as a workaround.

Question 7

Ionic boilerplate or Capacitor: which should I choose for a new project?

Accepted Answer

Choose this boilerplate if you're committed to Ionic 3 and need built-in testing and CI/CD. For modern apps, Capacitor with Ionic 4+ offers better native integration and is more actively maintained, but lacks this boilerplate's automation features.

Ionic Boilerplate

What is Ionic Boilerplate?

Overview

Use Cases

Best For

Related Projects

Found a gem we're missing?

Not Ideal For

Pros & Cons

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions