Build vs. buy: patterns and antipatterns

The decision between building and buying technology solutions is crucial for engineering teams and can impact productivity, team composition, and customer satisfaction. While there are no definitive rules, certain patterns can guide this choice. Building is recommended when a product doesn't exist or offers a unique competitive advantage, while buying is advised for undifferentiated heavy lifting, faster time-to-market, and tasks that exceed the expertise of the team. The common thread in these patterns is focusing on differentiation to create something customers want and value.