The tools we'd build a indie hackers & solo devs on tomorrow.
The fastest path from idea to shipped product. AI coding tools, instant app generators, and agent SDKs that let one developer move like a team of five.
The stack at a glance
If we had to start a new indie hackers & solo devs tomorrow, this is what we'd buy on day one.
Cursor
The AI-first IDE that rewrites how you code
pickClaude Code
Terminal-native AI agent that works on your whole repo
pickClaude
Best-in-class reasoning, writing, and long-context analysis
pickv0
Generate polished React UIs from a text prompt — by Vercel
pickVercel AI SDK
TypeScript SDK for building AI-powered apps with any model
Most indie hackers & solo devs are drowning in tooling. Here's the stack we'd actually hand a founder on day one.
1. AI Coding Assistants — Claude Code
IDE plugins, agents, and CLI tools that write, edit, and refactor code alongside you. From inline autocomplete to full autonomous multi-file agents.
★ AI Coding Assistants · Our pick
Claude Code
2. AI App Builders — v0
Generate full-stack applications from text prompts. Ideal for validating ideas fast or building internal tools without a full dev team.
★ AI App Builders · Our pick
v0
Get this stack in place in a week.
We set it up, migrate your data, and train your team. One flat fee.
3. AI Agent SDKs & Frameworks — Vercel AI SDK
TypeScript and Python libraries for building production AI agents — streaming, tool calling, multi-model routing, and managed infrastructure.
★ AI Agent SDKs & Frameworks · Our pick
Vercel AI SDK
4. AI Chat & Research — Claude
General-purpose AI chat tools for writing, research, analysis, and daily decision-making. The category every business owner starts with.
★ AI Chat & Research · Our pick
Claude
5. Agency Operations Platforms — Systemly
All-in-one business management platforms for running a modern agency — CRM, projects, invoicing, client portals, and automation.
★ Agency Operations Platforms · Our pick
Systemly
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What we rejected
Every stack is defined as much by what it leaves out.
Not recommended
Windsurf
Cascade AI brings your full codebase into context
Not recommended
Codex
OpenAI's cloud coding agent — run tasks in parallel sandboxes
Not recommended
Lovable
Build full-stack apps with AI — from idea to deployed in hours
Not recommended
Bolt
Full-stack app generation in the browser — powered by StackBlitz
Not recommended
Claude Agent SDK
Anthropic's official SDK for building production Claude agents
Not recommended
Claude Managed Agents
Anthropic's fully managed agent infrastructure — agents without ops
Not recommended
ChatGPT
The world's most-used AI assistant
Not recommended
Perplexity
AI-powered search with citations — replace Google for research
Not recommended
Systemly
Business OS for AI agencies — CRM, projects, invoicing, and AI in one
Not recommended
Odoo
Open-source ERP suite — 50+ modules, infinitely configurable
Want this stack set up for your agency?
One call, clear recommendations, and an implementation plan you can actually follow.