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For technical creators tired of algorithmic whims and platform lock-in, a new open-source contender has emerged. IndiePubStack delivers a self-hosted publishing toolkit that puts developers firmly in control of their content distribution infrastructure. Born from growing frustration with centralized platforms, this MIT-licensed solution combines modern web technologies with essential creator workflows.

Why Ownership Matters in Technical Publishing

Platform dependence isn't just a philosophical concern—it's a technical liability. When Medium changes its algorithm or Substack alters its fee structure, creators lose control overnight. IndiePubStack architect Andrey Fadeev explains: "This is for developers who want to treat their publication like code—version-controlled, portable, and infrastructure-as-code ready."

The stack's architecture reflects this ethos:
- Markdown-first authoring with Shiki syntax highlighting
- Authentication via Kinde (supports 10.5k free users/month)
- Newsletter engine powered by Resend (1k free contacts/month)
- PostgreSQL backbone with Drizzle ORM
- Docker-ready deployment with one-click Coolify provisioning

IndiePubStack's core technologies: Next.js 15, React 19, TypeScript, and PostgreSQL

The Developer-Centric Workflow

Local Development Simplicity

git clone https://github.com/IndiePubStack/IndiePubStack.git
cd IndiePubStack
npm install
docker run --name indiepubstack-db -e POSTGRES_USER=indie_pub_stack \
  -e POSTGRES_PASSWORD=indie_pub_stack -e POSTGRES_DB=indie_pub_stack_db \
  -p 5432:5432 -d postgres:17-alpine
npm run db:migrate
npm run dev

Production-Grade Deployment

For those seeking cloud independence, the Coolify integration enables VPS deployment on providers like Hetzner in minutes. The Docker-based workflow includes automatic HTTPS and custom domain support—critical for brand ownership.

Strategic Service Integration

IndiePubStack avoids reinventing wheels by leveraging specialized APIs:

# Authentication
KINDE_CLIENT_ID=***
KINDE_ISSUER_URL=***

# Email Delivery
RESEND_API_KEY=***
RESEND_AUDIENCE_ID=***

Webhooks synchronize user data between Kinde authentication events and Resend's audience management, creating a seamless subscriber pipeline. The upcoming monetization module will build atop this foundation.

Why This Changes the Game for Technical Creators

Unlike generic site builders, IndiePubStack makes technical constraints its strength:
1. No content tax: Avoid platform fees while keeping 100% subscriber ownership
2. Infrastructure transparency: PostgreSQL data stays in your controlled environment
3. Extensible core: React components and API routes adapt to custom needs
4. Version control native: Content and code evolve together in Git

As platform risks grow—from service shutdowns to policy changes—this project offers a refuge for developers prioritizing longevity. The live demo showcases what's possible when creators control their stack.

The true power? IndiePubStack isn't just a tool—it's a statement that the open web's future belongs to those who build on their own terms. Clone the repo, deploy your instance, and never let a platform hold your audience hostage again.

Source: IndiePubStack GitHub Repository