Developers often debate whether to buy or build the software they need, and data engineers are no exception. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this debate. Instead, you must consider all relevant factors when making a decision. This guide analyzes the pros and cons of building your own tool, leveraging an open-source tool, or buying an out-of-the-box tool. Factors considered include time and money, expertise and support, customization, and compliance. The recommended order of operations is to look into commercial options first, open-source options second, and in-house options third. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and resources.