Fastify + React vs A La Pieter Levels Stack

Fastify + React

VPS

Node.js high-performance web framework combined with React SSR. Fastify is one of the fastest Node.js frameworks, built on a robust plugin architecture with JSON Schema validation and automatic OpenAPI documentation. This implementation uses Fastify as the server with custom React SSR integration. Fastify's encapsulation model keeps plugins isolated, while hooks provide fine-grained request lifecycle control. Ideal for teams with existing Node.js/Express experience who want better performance and structure. Fastify's plugin ecosystem covers everything from rate limiting to WebSocket support.

A La Pieter Levels Stack

VPS (PHP)

The indie hacker's PHP stack popularized by Pieter Levels, creator of Nomad List, Remote OK, and Photo AI. This deliberately simple LAMP-style architecture has powered multiple million-dollar bootstrapped products. No build step, no JavaScript framework, no complex deployment—just PHP files served directly. SQLite for the database, jQuery for interactivity where needed, and vanilla CSS. The entire stack fits in a single developer's head. This approach challenges modern web development complexity. It demonstrates that successful products don't require cutting-edge frameworks—they require shipping. Perfect for solo founders and rapid prototyping.