Web
How to Build a Web App in 2026
Short answer: build a web app with Next.js (or a Vite SPA if it is login-only), hosted Postgres, real auth, and a host you can roll back. Do not start with microservices. Do not start with an AI builder if strangers will pay.
The loop, then the stack
Write the one job the user completes. Then: Next.js App Router for public pages + app, Supabase or a small API for auth and data, Stripe if you charge, Vercel or similar for deploy. See Next.js vs React if you are tempted by a bare CRA.
Steps
1) Scope the loop. 2) Auth + one table. 3) The job UI. 4) Payments if needed. 5) Error tracking. 6) Custom domain. That is a web MVP. Marketing site can live in the same repo.
- →SSR or static for anything Google should see
- →Server-side secrets
- →RLS or equivalent if you have orgs
AI on the web
Same app. The model is a server route. See how to build SaaS with AI and the AI MVPs hub.
FAQ
How long to build a web app?
A tight loop: 15–21 days with a scoped team. A marketplace or RAG product: longer. See timelines.
Web or mobile first?
Web if the job is a desk workflow or SEO matters. Mobile if camera, push, or stores are the product.
Related
Web app, not a template?
Bring the job. We’ll say Next.js SPA vs App Router, and whether AI belongs in v1.
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