Issue trackers are perfect vibe coding territory. The core is simple (issues with status), the UX is well-established (Linear set the bar), and you can start useful in a weekend. Skip the enterprise features until you need them—most teams use 20% of Jira.
Why This Works
Linear-level UX is achievable
Modern UI libraries make fast, keyboard-driven interfaces tractable. Framer Motion, cmdk, and optimistic updates.
Your workflow, your fields
No fighting the tool. Custom fields, statuses, and automations that match how you actually work.
Deep integrations
Connect directly to your codebase, deployments, and other tools without going through APIs.
No per-seat pricing
Linear is $8/user/month. Fine for 5 people, painful for 50.
Speed matters
Self-hosted means instant responses. No API latency for every interaction.
Data portability
Your issues, your database. Query, export, migrate freely.
Tech Stack
Layer
Tools
Why
Frontend
Next.js + Tailwind
Server components for initial load, client for interactions. Tailwind for rapid UI development.
Real-time
Liveblocks or PartyKit
Real-time sync for collaborative editing. Liveblocks is easier, PartyKit more flexible.
Database
PostgreSQL + Prisma
Relational model fits issues naturally. Full-text search built in.
Command Palette
cmdk
The library behind Linear and Vercel's command palettes.
Markdown
TipTap or Plate
Rich text editing with markdown shortcuts. TipTap is more mature.
Drag & Drop
dnd-kit
Accessible drag-and-drop for Kanban boards and priority reordering.