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Stack Wizard

The Stack Wizard is a guided 5-step process that helps you build and validate a complete technology stack. Get real-time compatibility feedback at every step.

Overview

The wizard adapts to your development approach:
  • Track A: AI-Assisted Development - Select your AI tool first, then build around it
  • Track B: Traditional Development - Start with your framework, then layer on services
Both tracks end with a comprehensive compatibility score for your complete stack.

Step 1: Development Approach

Choose how you want to build:
OptionDescriptionWhen to Choose
AI-AssistedYou’ll use an AI coding tool (Cursor, Windsurf, etc.)You want AI-powered development
TraditionalManual development with standard toolingYou prefer conventional workflows
Track A (AI-Assisted) continues to AI tool selection first. Track B (Traditional) continues to platform selection first.

Step 2: Platform & Requirements

Define your application scope:

Platform Type

  • Web - Browser-based applications
  • Mobile - iOS/Android native apps
  • Cross-Platform - React Native, Flutter, etc.
  • API - Backend services only
  • Desktop - Electron, Tauri applications

Key Requirements

Select what your application needs:
RequirementDescription
Server-Side RenderingFor SEO and initial load performance
Mobile SupportNative iOS/Android apps
Real-time FeaturesWebSockets, live updates
E-commercePayment processing, inventory
Database RequiredData persistence needs
AuthenticationUser login/authorization
File StorageUser uploads, media handling
Your selections filter available options in subsequent steps.

Step 3A: AI Tool Selection (Track A Only)

If you chose AI-Assisted development, select your primary AI tool:

Tool Categories

  1. Vibe Coding - Lovable, Bolt.new (full-stack generation)
  2. AI IDEs - Cursor, Windsurf, Juno (editor-integrated)
  3. CLI Agents - Trae, Aider, Kiro (terminal-based)
  4. Managed Platforms - Replit, Firebase Studio (cloud-based)

Compatibility Insights

Each tool shows:
  • Framework Compatibility - Which frameworks work best
  • Platform Support - Web, mobile, CLI, etc.
  • Privacy Model - Data handling and training policies
  • Pricing - Free tier availability and plans

Step 3B: Framework Selection (Track B Only)

If you chose Traditional development, select your framework:

Web Frameworks

  • Next.js - React meta-framework with SSR/SSG
  • Remix - Nested routes, forms-first approach
  • SvelteKit - Svelte-based, compile-time optimizations
  • Nuxt - Vue meta-framework
  • Astro - Content-focused, framework-agnostic

Mobile Frameworks

  • React Native - Cross-platform mobile
  • Flutter - Dart-based mobile apps
  • NativeScript - Native API access

API Frameworks

  • Express - Minimal Node.js framework
  • Fastify - High-performance Node.js
  • tRPC - End-to-end typesafe APIs

Step 4: Full Stack Selection

Build your complete technology stack:

Core Stack Components

ComponentOptions
FrameworkSelected in previous step
DatabasePostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, SQLite, etc.
HostingVercel, Netlify, AWS, Railway, etc.
AuthAuth0, Clerk, Firebase Auth, NextAuth, etc.
StylingTailwind, CSS Modules, Styled Components, etc.

Real-Time Compatibility

As you select each component, the wizard shows:
  • Green - Fully compatible with your current stack
  • ⚠️ Yellow - Compatible with caveats
  • Red - Known incompatibilities
Click any warning to see detailed explanations and workarounds.

Step 5: Results & Project Creation

Compatibility Report

Your complete stack receives an overall score:
Stack Compatibility Score: 87/100

✅ Framework + Database: Compatible
✅ Framework + Hosting: Compatible
⚠️  Framework + Auth: Partial (requires config)
✅ Database + Hosting: Compatible

Issue Breakdown

  • Critical Issues - Must resolve before production
  • Warnings - Review before committing
  • Suggestions - Optimization opportunities

Save as Project

Click Create Project to save your stack:
  • Access from dashboard anytime
  • Add tasks and notes
  • Track decisions and rationale
  • Share with your team

Tips for Best Results

1. Start Broad, Then Refine

Select your framework first, then narrow down database/hosting based on compatibility.

2. Read Warnings Carefully

Yellow status doesn’t mean “broken” - it means “pay attention.” Workarounds are provided.

3. Consider Your Team

Choose technologies your team already knows when scores are similar.

4. Check Privacy Policies

Some AI tools train on code. Verify this aligns with your requirements.

5. Save Early, Save Often

Create a project even before finalizing - you can always edit later.

Example: Building a Full-Stack Web App

Requirements: Web app with SSR, user auth, PostgreSQL database
  1. Approach: Traditional
  2. Platform: Web + SSR required
  3. Framework: Next.js (selected)
  4. Database: Prisma + PostgreSQL (compatible ✅)
  5. Hosting: Vercel (compatible ✅)
  6. Auth: NextAuth.js (compatible ✅)
Result: 95/100 compatibility score - ready to build!

What’s Next


Ready to build? Start the Wizard