7 Tools to Empower Developers on Your Platform

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At Lunch Pail Labs, I build and manage integrations that support tens of thousands of users. Over time, I’ve discovered the tools that make it easier for developers to contribute to the ecosystems I work with. Here are seven essential developer tools that I’ve found invaluable.

1. API

Your API is the gateway to your platform. A well-documented API, like Typeform’s Create API, equips developers to integrate and customize applications seamlessly. It allows them to build typeforms, personalize interactions, implement smart logic, and track traffic—all without needing the Typeform builder. This flexibility empowers developers to create unique and engaging experiences.

Example: Typeform’s Create API

2. Command Line Interface (CLI)

CLI tools let developers manage resources, deploy code, and access platform features directly from their terminals, speeding up development and boosting efficiency.

Adalo’s CLI, for instance, includes the create-adalo-component command. This tool quickly sets up the environment for building custom components, allowing developers to focus on creating rather than configuring.

Example: Adalo’s CLI

3. Software Development Kits (SDKs)

SDKs simplify development by turning complex platform functions into easy-to-use toolkits. They allow developers to focus on building applications without getting bogged down by intricate API details.

Discord’s Embedded App SDK, for example, helps developers create interactive activities like games. It manages communication between your app and Discord, making it easy to embed apps directly into Discord’s chat interface.

Example: Discord’s Embedded Apps SDK

4. IDE Extensions

Developers spend much of their time in Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). IDE extensions, like those for Visual Studio Code, allow developers to interact with your platform without leaving their workspace.

For example, Make supports custom app development in VS Code through the Make Apps Editor extension. This extension lets developers write and edit app configurations easily, securely uploading them to Make and removing temporary files after the session ends.

Example: Make’s VS Code Extension

5. Web Interface

A powerful web interface is crucial for building and configuring integrations directly within your platform. It provides a user-friendly environment where developers can create, manage, and refine integrations without coding.

Zapier’s Platform UI, for instance, allows developers to build integrations visually through a web app editor. It offers advanced API calls while remaining accessible to those who prefer a visual approach.

Example: Zapier’s Platform UI

6. Samples and Templates

Practical examples, like sample code and templates, help developers quickly understand and implement your tools. These resources spark creativity and accelerate development.

Asana, for example, offers various scripts for API use cases and open-source projects, helping developers automate workflows and boost productivity.

Example: Asana’s Examples

7. UI Kits

UI kits provide pre-designed components and style guides to ensure applications align with your platform’s design standards.

Canva’s App UI Kit, for example, is a React-based component library that helps developers create apps matching Canva’s look and feel. It includes icons, design tokens, and components optimized for accessibility and cross-platform compatibility.

Example: Canva UI Kit

By offering intuitive tools, clear documentation, and practical resources, you make it easier for developers to build amazing things on your platform.