Using Custom Code: considerations and warnings

Uberflip has an easy to use feature for adding custom code into a Hub, which gives you the power to make endless customizations to your Hubs. But custom code comes with risks, as code can be very finicky. Being aware of the risks associated with custom code can help you avoid frustrations in the future. 

This article outlines: 

• Warnings and things to be aware of
• Uberflip’s official stance on the use of custom code
• When to use custom code
• Your options for implementing custom code
• The future of custom code at Uberflip 

Warnings (and things to be aware of)

• If you experience problems with custom code and need help from our Support team, it may be necessary to disable your custom code to troubleshoot the issue.
• The Custom Code feature does not have built-in version control. We strongly recommend that you keep backups of your code outside of Uberflip, or use the Code Saver app found in the Uberflip Marketplace. There is no way to undo changes to custom code directly in the Custom Code feature.
• The underlying Uberflip code base that your custom code is built for can change at any time and without prior notice, which may impact your custom code. If you use custom code, you must actively maintain it and adjust for such changes as needed.
• If the custom code you add is not compliant with any regional laws or regulations, it is your responsibility to update or remove that custom code. Uberflip is not responsible for any legal implication your custom code may cause.
• Certain types of custom code (e.g. cookies and data tracking) may require a visitor to opt-in to stay compliant with regional regulations (such as GDPR). It is your responsibility to know what regulations you need to comply with. You can use Privacy Groups with custom code to give users the option of opting in or out of a custom code block.

Uberflip’s official stance on using custom code

Uberflip has built in the ability to add custom code into your Hub, and we fully support your freedom to customize your Hub as you’d like. But because of the nature of custom code, Uberflip is unable to apply our standard support policies and timeframes to custom code elements. 

This means that while we will try to help where we can, any custom code in your Hub is ultimately your responsibility to maintain.

Also, if we make platform changes that affect or clash with your custom code, it is your responsibility to see that it’s rectified in your Hub (this includes custom code created by Uberflip). Rectifying could include: 

• Asking Uberflip's Onbrand Support to help you fix it (fees may apply)
• Having your team rewrite the code to work with the new code in Uberflip 
• Removing the custom code from your Hub 

Understandably, Uberflip can not alter platform code to work with your custom code. Our base code is built to work for all of our users equally. As we innovate and make changes, your code may become incompatible or redundant. 

When should I use custom code?

Code comes in many forms, some of which are easier and safer to implement than others. 

Easy-to-implement code: 

Code snippets built by other applications for use across the internet tend to be more stable and secure. These are often used for things like tracking analytics, embedding chatbots, adding widgets, etc. 

These code snippets can usually be added with no issues or fuss.

More volatile code options:

Code written specifically for a single Hub is often less predictable over time, because this code is more specific and less flexible. Changes to the Hub technology can break this type of custom code.  

Code like this can open you up to any number of issues. So while it is very useful and very powerful, it’s best used only when truly needed. 

For any functionality you’re looking for, there may be features, workarounds, or upcoming releases that will do exactly what you have in mind. Chat with your account rep or Uberflip support if you have questions about our current or future feature offering. 

If you need something that doesn’t exist natively (and won’t for a while), a custom code solution may be a great option. 

What are my options if I do want to use custom code?

Custom code can be created and implemented in one of two ways: 

1. It can be built (or copied) then added by you or your team
2. It can be built or added by the Uberflip Onbrand team (Usually at a cost to you) 

In some cases, a combination of both may be best. If you’re eyeing up a custom code option, reach out to Uberflip’s Support or Onbrand teams. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.

The future of custom code at Uberflip 

Uberflip aims to be the best no-code option for creating content experiences. We’re always working to make things easier for our users. 

We hope to reduce, and maybe someday eliminate, the need for custom code in Hubs. This will be done by adding functionality that allows changes using settings and wysiwyg editors. 

This future state may reduce your need or desire to implement custom code today. It could also require that you remove or change your custom code at some point. This is not something you have to worry about in the immediate future, but something to keep in mind. 

If Uberflip makes any changes to the Custom Code capabilities, we’ll give you ample time to prepare. 

If you have any questions about using custom code in your Hub, reach out to support.