How do I create a custom template for Lazybones?

Follow the Template Developers Guide on GitHub: create a directory structure with a VERSION file, package it using Gradle commands like './gradlew packageTemplateMyTemplate', and publish to Bintray or use locally. This allows for tailored project setups.

Lazybones vs Maven archetypes: which is better for Java projects?

Lazybones is simpler and more lightweight, focusing on quick bootstrapping with command-line automation, while Maven archetypes integrate tightly with Maven builds and have a larger ecosystem. Choose Lazybones for speed and simplicity, Maven for deeper build tool integration.

Can I use Lazybones without an internet connection?

Yes, but only with cached templates; use 'lazybones list --cached' to see locally available ones. Internet is required for downloading new templates from Bintray or URLs, limiting offline functionality.

How to pass custom properties when generating a project with Lazybones?

Use the -P flag with property names and values, e.g., 'lazybones create ratpack 1.2.0 myapp -Pgroup=org.example'. However, property names must be derived from template scripts, as documentation is sparse.

Is Lazybones still actively maintained?

The last mentioned version is 0.8.1, and the project appears less active recently; check GitHub for updates, as development may have slowed, potentially affecting support for newer frameworks.

How to add a new repository for templates in Lazybones?

Configure 'bintrayRepositories' in the ~/.lazybones/config.groovy file or use the 'config set' command to add custom repositories, enabling access to templates from different Bintray sources or aliases.

Open-Awesome

Lazybones

Apache-2.0Groovyv0.8.3

A command-line tool for creating new projects from packaged templates, similar to Maven archetypes and Yeoman.

GitHub

617 stars101 forks0 contributors

What is Lazybones?

Lazybones is a command-line tool that automates the creation of new software projects from packaged templates. It solves the problem of manually setting up project structures for frameworks and libraries by providing a simple way to generate boilerplate code and directory layouts. Developers can use it to quickly bootstrap projects for Ratpack, Java, and other technologies with customizable templates.

Target Audience

Developers and teams who frequently start new projects and want to automate the initial setup, especially those working with Ratpack or other frameworks lacking built-in project bootstrapping tools.

Value Proposition

Lazybones offers a lightweight, template-driven alternative to more complex scaffolding tools, with support for subtemplates, command-line automation, and easy template distribution via Bintray. Its simplicity and focus on project creation make it a quick and efficient choice for developers tired of repetitive setup tasks.

Overview

A simple project creation tool that uses packaged project templates.

Use Cases

Best For

Bootstrapping Ratpack applications quickly
Automating project setup for teams with standardized templates
Generating project structures from custom or private templates
Creating projects without interactive prompts using property injection
Adding optional components (like controllers) to existing projects via subtemplates
Managing and discovering project templates from multiple Bintray repositories

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring integrated build automation, dependency management, or CI/CD setup beyond static templates
Teams seeking a large, community-driven template ecosystem like Yeoman's for diverse frameworks
Environments where dependency on Bintray for template hosting poses reliability or access issues
Dynamic project generation needing real-time logic or complex interactive customization

Pros & Cons

Pros

Simple Installation and Use

Easily installed via sdkman or direct download, with straightforward commands like 'lazybones create <template> <version> <dir>' for quick project bootstrapping.

Flexible Template Sources

Supports templates from Bintray repositories, custom URLs, and aliases, enabling private or custom template usage as shown in the configuration section.

Non-Interactive Automation

Property injection via -P flags allows scriptable project creation without prompts, ideal for automation and repetitive setups, as detailed in the README.

Subtemplates for Extensions

Includes a 'generate' command for adding optional components like controllers within existing projects, mimicking Yeoman's sub-generators for incremental scaffolding.

Cons

Poor Property Documentation

The README admits that finding property names for -P flags requires examining post-install scripts, lacking clear, accessible documentation for users.

Bintray Dependency and Limited Ecosystem

Templates are primarily hosted on Bintray with a default repository that has a small selection, making it less versatile than tools with broader community support.

No Subtemplate Versioning

Subtemplates are embedded in project templates without independent versioning, leading to potential compatibility issues when templates are updated.

Open Source Alternative To

Lazybones is an open-source alternative to the following products:

Maven Archetypes

Project templates for Apache Maven that provide a model for generating new projects with predefined structures and configurations.

Yeoman

Frequently Asked Questions

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