I like this idea. I think a good analogy is creativity being like a raw force, and a set of rules and conventions giving it direction so that it can be focused

I like this idea. I think a good analogy is creativity being like a raw force, and a set of rules and conventions giving it direction so that it can be focused into a jet that can be pointed at a specific place and be really useful, rather than just spraying randomly around and probably not being all that useful. I think a great example of this philosophy in music, is Jack White with the White Stripes. He held to a very rigid set of rules which resulted in very simple, straightforward songs. What was great about that was that it gave him a platform at live shows to perform amazing virtuoso solo stuff on top. The platform, with its simple rules and structure, allowed him to perform those solos. Had he come on stage and just randomly started playing solos from start to finish, it wouldn't have the same effect and would probably just be quite aimless and noisy. It's true in software too. When building a web app tools like webpack et al exist to solve boring, routine problems in a standard way that you don't have to spend much time worrying about (webpack config issues jokes aside) so that you can focus all your creativity on what actually matters and what is interesting and unique - what your app does!