Don't Make a Calendly Clone with Bubble.io! Do This Instead.

The Problem with Calendly Clones

So you want to build a calendar app with Bubble.io? I get it. Calendly is a great product, and it's tempting to want to recreate it. But here's the thing - building a Calendly clone is actually a terrible idea. Let me explain why.

Complexity of Calendar Integration

First off, calendar integration is incredibly complex. You need to deal with different time zones, recurring events, and syncing across multiple calendar providers. It's not just a matter of displaying some dates on a page. The workflows required to handle all the edge cases are extremely complicated.

Performance Challenges

Secondly, calendar apps can be very resource-intensive. Checking availability across multiple users and calendars puts a heavy load on your database. This can quickly eat up your Bubble capacity and lead to performance issues as your user base grows.

Maintenance Headaches

Maintaining a calendar app is also a huge ongoing commitment. You'll constantly be dealing with bugs, edge cases, and feature requests. It's not the kind of app you can just build and forget about.

The Better Alternative

So what should you do instead? My recommendation is to use a dedicated calendar API or integration. There are several great options out there that handle all the complex calendar logic for you:

Top Calendar Integration Options

1. SavvyCal: This is my personal favorite. It has a great UI and powerful features.

2. Calendly API: Yes, you can actually integrate Calendly itself into your Bubble app.

3. AddEvent: Another solid option with good Bubble integration.

Benefits of Using a Dedicated Solution

By using one of these solutions, you get all the benefits of a robust calendar system without having to build and maintain it yourself. You can focus on the unique aspects of your app that provide value to your users.

Implementation Tips

When integrating a calendar solution into your Bubble app:

1. Use the API Connector to handle communication with the calendar service.

2. Store only the essential event data in your Bubble database, and rely on the calendar API for the heavy lifting.

3. Use custom states to manage the UI for booking flows.

Conclusion

Building a Calendly clone might seem like a good idea at first, but it's rarely the best use of your time and resources. By leveraging existing calendar solutions, you can create a much more robust and scalable app while focusing on what makes your product unique. Remember, the goal is to solve problems for your users, not to reinvent the wheel.