> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://slik-dev.vercel.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose a Framework Stack for Your Slik Dev App

> Slik Dev supports Next.js, React, and HTML stacks. Learn what each option gives you and how to select your stack during the CLI scaffolding prompt.

When you run `npx create-slik@latest my-app`, the CLI immediately asks you to choose a framework stack. Your choice determines the project structure, routing conventions, and server-side capabilities of the app Slik Dev generates.

## Available Stacks

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Next.js" icon="n">
    App Router, server-side rendering, file-based routing, and API routes — all pre-configured.
  </Card>

  <Card title="React" icon="react">
    Client-side React with a component architecture optimized for SPAs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="HTML" icon="code">
    Vanilla HTML/CSS/JS output for maximum portability.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  All stacks including Next.js, React, and HTML are fully supported and available to use.
</Note>

## What Next.js Gives You

When you select Next.js, Slik Dev generates a full application built on the Next.js App Router. You get:

* **Server-side rendering (SSR)** — Pages are rendered on the server for faster initial loads and better SEO.
* **App Router** — The modern Next.js routing system using the `app/` directory, React Server Components, and nested layouts.
* **File-based routing** — Routes are defined by the folder structure. No manual router configuration required.
* **API routes** — Backend endpoints live alongside your frontend in the same project.
* **TypeScript** — The entire project is end-to-end typed with strict TypeScript configuration.
* **Tailwind CSS** — Utility-first styling with `clsx` and `tailwind-merge` pre-installed.
* **Framer Motion** — Fluid, production-quality animations across all generated components.

After scaffolding, your app runs at `http://localhost:3000` with a landing page, auth screens, dashboard, and admin panel already in place.

## Selecting Your Stack

The CLI prompts you to pick a stack immediately after you run the init command.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Run the scaffolding command">
    ```bash theme={null}
    npx create-slik@latest my-app
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your stack at the prompt">
    The CLI presents the stack options interactively:

    ```
    ? Which stack would you like to use?
    ❯ Next.js
      React     (available)
      HTML      (available)
    ```

    Use the arrow keys to navigate, then press `Enter` to confirm.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Continue with the remaining prompts">
    After selecting your stack, the CLI continues with theme, auth, and database configuration. See the individual pages for each option.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Install and start the dev server">
    ```bash theme={null}
    cd my-app
    npm install
    npm run dev
    ```

    Your app is live at `http://localhost:3000`.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Stack Comparison

| Feature           | Next.js                 | React       | HTML      |
| ----------------- | ----------------------- | ----------- | --------- |
| Status            | Available               | Available   | Available |
| Rendering         | SSR + CSR               | CSR         | Static    |
| Routing           | App Router (file-based) | Client-side | N/A       |
| API routes        | Yes                     | No          | No        |
| TypeScript        | Yes                     | Yes         | No        |
| Tailwind CSS      | Yes                     | Yes         | No        |
| Auth (NextAuth)   | Yes                     | Planned     | No        |
| Database (Prisma) | Yes                     | Planned     | No        |

<Tip>
  If you're building a SaaS product today, choose **Next.js**. It's the only stack with full theme, auth, and database support and is the combination Slik Dev is optimized for.
</Tip>