Project Scaffolding
Project scaffolding is a tool or process that automatically generates the initial structure, configuration files, and boilerplate code for a new software project. It sets up a standardized foundation with best practices, such as directory layouts, build scripts, and dependencies, to help developers start quickly and consistently. This is commonly implemented through command-line tools, templates, or generators in various programming ecosystems.
Developers should use project scaffolding to save time, reduce errors, and enforce consistency when initiating new projects, especially in team environments or for repetitive tasks like web apps, APIs, or libraries. It's particularly valuable in modern development workflows with frameworks like React, Angular, or Django, where complex setups are required, and it helps onboard new team members by providing a ready-to-use codebase with configured tools like testing, linting, and deployment scripts.