Choosing Your MVP Tech Stack
The right tech stack accelerates development. The wrong one creates headaches. Here's how to choose wisely.
The Golden Rule
Use boring technology.
New, exciting frameworks create problems. Proven stacks with large communities solve problems.
Recommended Stacks by Use Case
**For Most Web Apps**:
• Frontend: Next.js + TypeScript + Tailwind• Backend: Node.js or Next.js API routes• Database: PostgreSQL (via Supabase or Neon)• Hosting: Vercel• Auth: Clerk or NextAuth**For Mobile Apps**:
• Cross-platform: React Native or Flutter• Backend: Same as web• Additional: Firebase for push notifications**For Data-Heavy Apps**:
• Frontend: Next.js or React• Backend: Python (FastAPI)• Database: PostgreSQL• Analytics: ClickHouse or BigQuery**For AI/ML Products**:
• Frontend: Next.js• Backend: Python (FastAPI)• AI: OpenAI API, Anthropic, or open models• Vector DB: Pinecone or pgvectorWhy These Choices?
**Next.js**:
• Full-stack in one framework• Excellent performance• Great developer experience• Huge community**TypeScript**:
• Catches bugs before production• Better IDE support• Easier refactoring• Industry standard**PostgreSQL**:
• Reliable and proven• Handles almost anything• Excellent ecosystem• Free and open source**Tailwind CSS**:
• Faster than writing CSS• Consistent design• Works with any framework• Easy to maintainWhat to Avoid
1. **Multiple languages**: One backend language is enough2. **Microservices**: Monolith first, split later3. **Kubernetes**: Overkill for MVP4. **NoSQL for everything**: PostgreSQL handles most needs5. **Bleeding edge**: Wait for stabilityInfrastructure Simplicity
**For MVP**:
• Vercel or Railway for hosting• Managed database (Supabase, Neon, Railway)• Single environment (staging = production)• Simple CI/CD (GitHub Actions)Cost Expectations
**Typical MVP Infrastructure**:
• Hosting: £0-50/month• Database: £0-25/month• Auth: £0-25/month• Domain: £10/year• Email: £0-20/monthTotal: £0-120/month for most MVPs
When to Change Stack
**Consider changing if**:
• Performance becomes a problem• Hiring is impossible• Scaling hits limits• Security requirements change**Don't change because**:
• New framework is trendy• Someone suggests it• You read a blog post• It feels too simpleSimple is good. Boring is good. Working is best.
Choose proven technology, focus on building value, and change only when you have real reasons.
