Default simple site 2026: Astro + Cloudflare. Next.js 15+ for apps. Don't let AI pick randomly.
Best for
- Choosing stack before first commit
- Comparing AI agent friendliness
- Explaining choice to client
Avoid if
- Stack already works and ships
- You need deep framework tutorial — use docs
● TOOLS
Related stack
● Build phases
Pick a framework in 2026
Static brochure → Astro
5–20 pages, no login, contact form, blog in Markdown. Fast, cheap hosting, AI agents understand it well.
Done when: You wrote: my project = static brochure → Astro
App with auth → Next.js 15+
Tickets, SaaS, dashboards, payments, user accounts. Vercel hosting, server actions, large AI training data.
Done when: You need login OR database → Next.js, not Astro
Shop → Shopify first
Physical/digital products, cart, payments — Shopify unless custom checkout is revenue-critical.
Done when: Product count and payment path documented; Shopify or custom decision made
Remix / SvelteKit / Nuxt
Remix: forms-heavy apps. SvelteKit: fast UI, smaller bundles. Nuxt: Vue ecosystem, content sites. Pick if team already knows it.
Done when: You have a reason beyond 'AI suggested it'
● GUIDES
Related guides
Risks
- Next.js for 5-page plumber site
- Framework tourism — switching mid-project
- No hosting plan matched to framework