Best Boilerplates & Starter Kits
Discover ready-to-use SaaS boilerplates and starter kits for building applications. Find templates with authentication, billing, and modern tech stacks to launch faster.
Boilerplates (7)
Building Your First App with Boilerplates
Getting started with boilerplates is straightforward, but there are a few key steps that make the difference between a smooth launch and weeks of debugging. Here's how to do it right:
• Pick a boilerplate that matches your tech stack - React, Vue, Python, etc. Don't try to learn a new framework and build a product at the same time.
• Clone the repository and run it locally - This should take under 10 minutes. If it takes longer, the documentation is probably incomplete.
• Customize the design and add your branding - Start with colors, fonts, and copy. Don't rebuild the entire UI from scratch.
• Use AI tools to add specific features - Ask AI to modify existing code rather than generate new features from nothing.
• Deploy to Vercel, Netlify, or your preferred platform - Most boilerplates include deployment instructions and configuration files.
Why Boilerplates Work So Well with AI
The combination of boilerplates and AI coding tools is incredibly powerful. Instead of asking AI to generate entire applications from scratch, you're asking it to modify and extend proven, working code.
• AI understands existing code patterns better than starting from zero. It can see how authentication, routing, and data flow work together.
• You can ask AI to explain complex systems - "How does the billing system work?" or "Where should I add this feature?" become much easier questions.
• Modifying working features is safer than building them from scratch. You're less likely to introduce security vulnerabilities or architectural problems.
• Less debugging because the core functionality is already tested. You're adding to a stable foundation rather than building on shaky ground.
• Focus AI prompts on your unique business logic instead of basic CRUD operations, user management, or payment processing.
Choosing Between Directory and Boilerplates
Directory boilerplates are perfect for building platforms where users submit content - job boards, startup directories, resource collections, or any community-driven platform. They handle user submissions, moderation workflows, and discovery features.
SaaS boilerplates focus on subscription-based applications with recurring revenue. They include billing systems, user dashboards, team management, and API integrations. Perfect for productivity tools, analytics platforms, or any software-as-a-service business.
Consider your business model: Do you want users to discover and submit content (directory), or do you want to provide ongoing software services (SaaS)? The right choice depends on how you plan to generate revenue and engage with users.
Boilerplate Success Stories for Indie Hackers
Many successful indie projects started with boilerplates. Product Hunt began as a simple directory for discovering new products. Indie Hackers started as a community platform for sharing startup stories. Both could have been built faster with modern boilerplates.
The key is choosing a boilerplate that handles the complex infrastructure (authentication, payments, data management) so you can focus on what makes your product unique. Most successful founders spend 80% of their time on features that differentiate their product, not on basic functionality.
With AI coding tools, you can customize boilerplates faster than ever. Ask AI to explain the codebase, add new features, or integrate with third-party services. This combination of proven foundations and AI assistance is revolutionizing how quickly makers can build and launch products.
Questions Everyone Asks
What exactly is a SaaS boilerplate and why should I use one?▼
A SaaS boilerplate is pre-written, tested code that handles common SaaS functionality like user authentication, subscription billing, user dashboards, and API integrations. Instead of building these from scratch, you start with working code and focus on your unique features.
Using SaaS boilerplates can reduce development time from months to weeks, especially when combined with AI coding tools that can help you customize and extend the existing code.
How do I choose the right SaaS boilerplate for my project?▼
Start by matching the tech stack you're comfortable with (React, Vue, Python, etc.). Look for boilerplates with comprehensive documentation, recent updates, and active community support.
Check if it includes the specific features you need - for SaaS apps, look for subscription billing, user management, team features, and API integrations. Consider your target market and pricing model.
Can I customize SaaS boilerplates or am I stuck with their design?▼
SaaS boilerplates are designed to be customized. You can change colors, fonts, layouts, add new features, and modify the business logic. The key is starting with the foundation and modifying it rather than rebuilding everything.
AI coding tools like Cursor or Claude are particularly helpful for customization - they can understand the existing code structure and help you make changes without breaking functionality.
Are SaaS boilerplates suitable for beginners or do I need advanced coding skills?▼
Many SaaS boilerplates are beginner-friendly, especially when combined with AI coding assistance. You don't need to understand every line of code to get started - focus on customizing the parts that matter to your users.
Start with simpler modifications like changing text, colors, and images. As you become more comfortable, you can add new features with help from AI tools and community resources.
What's the difference between free and paid SaaS boilerplates?▼
Free boilerplates are great for learning and simple projects, but may lack advanced features, comprehensive documentation, or ongoing support. Paid boilerplates typically include more sophisticated functionality, better documentation, and customer support.
For serious SaaS projects, paid boilerplates often save more time and money in the long run due to their completeness and reliability. Consider your project's complexity and timeline when choosing.
How do SaaS boilerplates work with AI coding tools?▼
SaaS boilerplates and AI tools are a powerful combination. AI can better understand and modify existing code patterns than generate everything from scratch. You can ask AI to explain how features work, add new functionality, or debug issues.
This approach is much safer and faster than having AI generate entire applications. You're building on a tested foundation rather than hoping AI-generated code works correctly.
How long does it typically take to launch with a SaaS boilerplate?▼
With a good SaaS boilerplate, you can have a basic version running in days rather than months. Simple customizations (branding, content, basic features) can be done in 1-2 weeks.
More complex customizations or additional features might take 4-8 weeks, but you're still saving months compared to building from scratch. The key is starting with a boilerplate that closely matches your needs.
Do I need to worry about licensing when using SaaS boilerplates?▼
Always check the license before using any boilerplate. Most commercial boilerplates include licenses for unlimited projects, while some may have restrictions on reselling or redistribution.
Open-source boilerplates typically use MIT or similar permissive licenses, but it's important to understand the terms. When in doubt, contact the creator for clarification.