As we gear up for 2026, I’m streamlining my coding workflow with a lean, vibe-aligned stack that focuses on simplicity and scalability (I have many projects!). It’s perfect for solo devs or small teams building dynamic web apps.
This stack might not be perfect if you work in a large corporation or something. You might want to use Cursor and other tools as well. Here’s the breakdown, tool by tool.
♥️ Info: Are you AI curious but you still have to create real impactful projects? Join our official AI builder club on Skool (only $5): SHIP! - One Project Per Month
OpenAI – Codex and Research
OpenAI powers my core ideation phase with Codex for rapid code generation and research tools for deep dives into algorithms or APIs. It’s like having a tireless co-pilot that turns vague concepts into functional prototypes, saving hours on boilerplate and letting me focus on the fun, innovative bits.
Gemini App – Visuals and Infographics
For visuals and infographics, Gemini App is my go-to—it’s intuitive for whipping up charts, diagrams, and UI mockups that make complex data pop. Whether I’m explaining a new feature or prepping client decks, its drag-and-drop magic ensures polished outputs without the Photoshop slog.
GitHub – Project Management and Deployment Pipeline
GitHub handles all project management and deployment pipelines with its robust repo features, Actions for CI/CD, and seamless collaboration tools. It’s the central hub where ideas branch, merge, and ship, keeping everything versioned and automated for zero-downtime releases.
Heroku – Hosting
Heroku simplifies hosting with one-click deploys and auto-scaling, ideal for spinning up full-stack apps without server wrangling. Its free tier for testing and easy add-ons for extras like logging make it a no-brainer for quick iterations and reliable uptime.
MariaDB – Database for Dynamic Web Apps
MariaDB anchors my dynamic web apps as a robust, open-source database that’s MySQL-compatible but faster and more feature-rich. It excels at handling relational data for user auth, content management, or e-commerce backends, with easy scaling for growing traffic.
FastSpring – Payments (VAT and Sales Tax Handling)
Payments flow through FastSpring for its global compliance magic, auto-handling VAT, sales tax, and subscriptions across 200+ countries. It’s plug-and-play for monetizing apps, reducing legal headaches so I can prioritize product over paperwork.
Namecheap – Domains
Namecheap locks in domains with affordable, straightforward registration and privacy protection. Quick WHOIS guards and easy transfers keep my online presence secure and branded, without the upsell drama of bigger registrars.
Feel free to subscribe to my vibe coding newsletter – the goal is to help you be on the right side of change.