I wonder how the XenForo developers made this forum software

[Kevin]

Do what Vertical Scope does with Fora

Phase 1: Buy existing successful niche community forum and replace software with customized version of XF that prioritizes ad placement which usually results in the death of the community.

Phase 2: ????

Phase 3: Profit

 

[Forsaken]

It's the other way around.

I do not know of many end-user products made in the last ~10 years that are not using third-party libraries or frameworks.

 

[Paul B]

It's the other way around.

Except when it's Froala ...

 

[tajhay]

A popular and very successful forum in Aus is all homemade and developed by one person.

https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/