Code editor
VS Code
The default editor. Free, fast, has every extension you'll need.
github.com/microsoft/vscodeAll audience stacks
Curated for students
Open-Source for Students
Free open-source tools every CS student should know in 2026. From building portfolio projects to landing your first job — these are the skills + tools that matter.
Frontend framework
Next.js
Most in-demand React framework. Learn this for jobs.
github.com/vercel/next.jsBackend / Database
Supabase
Free tier perfect for portfolio projects. Learn Postgres + Auth in one tool.
github.com/supabase/supabaseUI
shadcn/ui
Most popular React UI library in 2026. Looks good without design work.
github.com/shadcn-ui/uiAI
Ollama
Run LLMs on your laptop. Free, private, fast.
github.com/ollama/ollamaNote-taking
Logseq
Open-source Roam-style PKM. Use this for class notes.
github.com/logseq/logseqVersion control
Hugo
For a personal blog/portfolio. Static site = free hosting on GitHub Pages.
github.com/gohugoio/hugoDeployment
Coolify
Self-hosted Vercel alternative. Learn DevOps by deploying your own projects.
github.com/coollabsio/coolifyFull curated directory + bundles
Lifetime gives you 100+ open-source tools with curator takes, 13 stack bundles, and 12 skill tracks. ₹99 once.
See pricing