What Is Boilerplate?

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What Is Boilerplate?

Let me explain what boilerplate is: it's standardized text you can reuse in similar documents without making big changes to the original.

You use boilerplate for efficiency and to standardize the structure, language, and content in written or digital documents. In contract law, it ensures all necessary legal details are covered.

Key Takeaways

Boilerplate language is the standardized text found in many documents such as contracts.
These passages are often part of a template that you personalize as needed.
The term also describes reusable code sections in software programs or web pages.
Boilerplates save time and money, but in contracts, they can favor only one party.

How Boilerplates Work

Boilerplate is any text you reuse repeatedly without substantial changes. You'll find it commonly used online and in written documents by corporations, legal firms, and medical facilities.

You can make slight changes to the language or parts of the text to fit different uses. For example, a media release has boilerplate at the bottom with company or product info, which you update for various situations before sending it out.

Software writers use the term for code created and reused over and over. In this case, you only rework some code to fit the current need, without major changes to the structure.

Think of boilerplate as the standard text in a template. It gives you a basic structure that you alter to suit different needs.

History of Boilerplate

In the 19th century, a boilerplate was a steel slab used as a template for steam boilers. Editors adopted this term for standardization to describe trite, unoriginal work submitted for publication.

The legal profession started using 'boilerplate' by the mid-1950s, as seen in a Bedford Gazette article criticizing it as fine print that hides unpleasant agreement details.

Today, businesses use boilerplate clauses in contracts, purchase agreements, and formal documents. These clauses save time and protect against errors or legal mistakes.

The wording isn't usually negotiable with customers, who often sign without reading or understanding. This type, written by the stronger party, is called an adhesion contract, and courts may strike provisions if they're coercive or unfair.

Fast Fact

Boilerplate can be a disparaging term for lack of originality or sincere effort in any activity.

Boilerplate Language in the Modern World

Today, boilerplate applies to many settings as any standardized method, form, or procedure.

In marketing and public relations, it refers to unchanging blocks of language in materials or press releases. These express a company's mission or positive image and appear in publications, releases, or web pages like the 'About Us' section.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Boilerplate

Boilerplates save time and money. You don't waste resources drafting new documents or contracts; just update existing ones or templates for the current purpose. IT pros can alter existing code similarly for new online text.

They help prevent mistakes since the language is vetted and error-free, reducing future headaches and providing protection from legal issues.

Standard forms ensure consistency, preventing unintended deviations across contracts or documents.

But there are downsides, often for the recipient. People usually don't read the fine print and miss conditions they must follow.

Contractual boilerplates often favor the writer, relying on individuals skipping or skimming these sections.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Boilerplates save time and money; There is less room for error and more consistency.
Cons: Boilerplates are not tailored specifically to every individual; They often favor only one party in a contract.

Uses of Boilerplate Language

Banks use standard contracts for home loans. Employees and applicants fill blanks or check boxes instead of creating new documents each time. These stay unchanged to avoid misleading parties with small text changes.

Another example is fine print in contracts, like cell phone agreements. This static section covers fees, charges, and rules, with minor changes when needed.

What Is a Boilerplate Statement?

A boilerplate statement is standard, preapproved text businesses add to documents. It's generic but you can alter it slightly for a purpose. Examples include email confirmations for online purchases, press releases, 'About Us' sections, or announcements.

What Is a Boilerplate Project?

A boilerplate project is a standard template you adapt easily for new projects. The basic structure is flexible; for instance, an eBay seller might use one with a basic design ready for new product text.