Starting Your SaaS Project: From Scratch or Using Templates?

When embarking on a new SaaS (Software as a Service) project, one of the key decisions developers face is whether to start from scratch or leverage existing boilerplates and starter kits. Building from scratch allows for complete customization, but can be time-consuming and prone to initial development errors. On the other hand, using a boilerplate can significantly accelerate development, providing a robust foundation and reducing the chances of early-stage bugs. This article delves into a variety of SaaS boilerplates across different technology stacks, helping you make an informed decision for your next project.

Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails remains a popular choice for web application development due to its convention over configuration philosophy, which allows for rapid development.

• Bullet Train: A comprehensive starter kit providing a multi-tenant SaaS framework.
• Jumpstart Rails: Offers a quick way to start a new SaaS app with integrated payments, subscriptions, and team management.
• Sjabloon: A modern template focused on clean code and good practices.
• Rails Tabler Starter: An open-source option that integrates Rails with the Tabler admin interface.

Node.js (JavaScript)

Node.js, known for its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, is perfect for building scalable network applications.

• React SaaS: A free and open-source boilerplate using React for the front end and Node.js for the back end.
• OpenSaaS.sh: A comprehensive boilerplate using React, NodeJS, Prisma, and Stripe.
• BoilerCode: A robust boilerplate that includes essential SaaS features.
• Scale Safe: Focuses on scalable architecture for modern web apps.
• Gravity: Offers a customizable and modular SaaS starter kit.
• MERNKIT: A full-stack boilerplate using MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js.
• Nodewood: A commercial option aimed at reducing development time for SaaS applications.

Laravel (PHP)

Laravel is renowned for its elegant syntax and ability to handle complex web applications with ease.

• Streamline: A comprehensive SaaS starter kit for Laravel.
• Laravel Spark: Integrates payment systems and team billing with minimal setup.
• Larafast: Focuses on speed and efficiency in Laravel development.
• Electrik - Saas Starter Kit: An open-source starter kit that offers essential SaaS functionalities.
• SaaSWeb: Combines Laravel with Vue.js for a seamless front-end and back-end experience.

Django (Python)

Django, with its "batteries-included" philosophy, is ideal for developers looking for a high-level Python web framework.

• Ready SaaS: A ready-to-use SaaS boilerplate with essential features.
• SaaSitive: Focuses on subscription-based SaaS applications.
• SaaS Pegasus: Offers a powerful, customizable boilerplate for Django.
• Djaodjin: An open-source boilerplate designed for multi-tenant SaaS applications.

FastAPI (Python)

FastAPI is a modern, fast (high-performance) web framework for building APIs with Python 3.7+ based on standard Python type hints.

• GeniePy SaaS starter: A boilerplate designed to quickly bootstrap SaaS applications using FastAPI.

.NET (ASP.NET Core / .NET 6+)

.NET Core is a cross-platform, high-performance framework for building modern, cloud-based, Internet-connected applications.

• ASP.NET Zero: Provides a robust starting point with a comprehensive set of features for modern web applications.
• fullstackhero .NET 7 Web API Boilerplate: An open-source, modular solution for building scalable APIs.

Java

Java, known for its portability and scalability, remains a strong choice for enterprise-level applications.

• Openkoda: An open-source boilerplate that integrates Java, Spring, JavaScript, and GraalVM.

Go

Go, known for its simplicity and performance, is perfect for developing scalable web applications.

• Autostrada: Provides a solid foundation for building SaaS applications with Go.
• SaaS Startup Kit: An open-source starter kit focused on SaaS development with Go.

Next.js

Next.js, a popular React framework, is ideal for building server-rendered React applications.

• NextJSDirectory: Helps build directories quickly with Next.js.
• Next.js Boilerplate: A free and open-source starter kit for building scalable applications.
• Next.js Subscription Payments Starter by Vercel: A boilerplate for subscription-based services.

Conclusion

Selecting the right boilerplate for your SaaS project can save time, reduce initial bugs, and provide a strong foundation for future development. Whether you prefer Ruby on Rails, Node.js, Laravel, Django, or any other stack, there are numerous options available to fit your needs. Explore these boilerplates, evaluate their features, and choose the one that aligns best with your project requirements. This approach not only accelerates your development process but also allows you to focus more on adding unique value to your SaaS product.