1. Frontend: React with Tailwind CSS & Vite / Next.js
React continues to dominate developer productivity and hiring availability in India. Pairing React with Tailwind CSS enables rapid prototyping, while Vite provides lightning-fast local build cycles. For SEO-heavy consumer apps, Next.js provides seamless server-side rendering.
2. Backend & Database: Node.js / Python + PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL is the undisputed database workhorse in 2026, offering rock-solid relational integrity alongside JSON document flexibility. Pair it with Prisma ORM or Drizzle for type-safe database queries.
3. Payments: Cashfree & Razorpay
For Indian startups, reliable UPI Intent flows, QR codes, recurring auto-debit (eNACH/UPI Autopay), and instant refunds are non-negotiable. Platforms like Cashfree and Razorpay provide the best Indian developer SDKs and compliance support.
4. Hosting & Cloud: Vercel & AWS
Deploy frontend applications on Vercel for zero-config global CDN distribution, automatic SSL, and preview environments. Host backend microservices or background queues on AWS (ECS, Lambda) or Render.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Standardize on TypeScript across frontend and backend.
- ✓Use PostgreSQL as the primary data store for reliability.
- ✓Integrate Indian-first payment gateways (Cashfree/Razorpay) from day one.
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