The Indie Dev Stack: My 2026 Setup
Every year I revisit my stack. As a solo dev, every tool needs to earn its place. Here's what made the cut for 2026.
Frontend: Next.js + Tailwind
Next.js 15 with the App Router is the foundation of everything I build. Server Components changed the game for performance, and Tailwind CSS keeps my styling fast and consistent.
Backend: Payload CMS
Payload CMS v3 is a revelation. It embeds directly into your Next.js app, gives you a full admin dashboard, and the TypeScript support is chef's kiss. For indie projects where you need a CMS but don't want to manage a separate service, it's perfect.
Deployment: Vercel
Git push and it's live. For solo devs, Vercel's DX is unmatched. Preview deployments for every PR, edge functions, and analytics built in. Worth every penny.
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