Template Type and Positioning
License & Cost
- Cascade is a free, open-source boilerplate designed for modern SaaS applications[1][4]
- Targets developers looking for a minimal but comprehensive tech stack[1]
Tech Stack
- Core: T3 stack (Next.js, tRPC, Prisma), Postgres[1]
- Authentication: Auth.js with Prisma session management[1]
- UI: Leverages Shadcn components and Tailwind CSS[1]
Key Features Analysis
Core Infrastructure
- Database: Postgres integration with Prisma ORM[1]
- Authentication: Built-in Auth.js implementation[1]
- Payment Processing: Lemon Squeezy integration for merchant services[1]
Developer Tools
- Error Tracking: Sentry integration[1]
- Analytics: PostHog for user analytics and Plausible for page tracking[1]
- Background Processing: Trigger.dev for automated tasks[1]
Development Experience
Setup and Configuration
- Minimal setup required - only
.envconfiguration needed[1] - Clean architecture with minimal bloat in technology choices[1]
Development Workflow
- Component Development: Storybook for isolated UI development[1]
- Testing: Lost Pixel for frontend testing[1]
- Error Handling: Sentry for production monitoring[1]
Business Features
Analytics and Monitoring
- PostHog: Advanced user analytics and funnels[1]
- Plausible: Simple but powerful page analytics[1]
Customer Support
- Crisp integration for customer chat support[1]
- Trigger.dev for automated notifications (e.g., new user signup alerts)[1]
Maintenance and Support
Distinguishing Characteristics
- Minimal Bloat: Focuses on essential technologies without unnecessary complexity[1]
- Modern Stack: Uses latest versions of popular tools and frameworks[1]
- Business Ready: Includes critical SaaS features like analytics, error tracking, and customer support[1]
Advantages Over Other Templates
-
Focused Tech Stack: Unlike more complex templates, Cascade maintains a balance between features and simplicity[1][4]
-
Production-Ready Tools:
- Includes both open-source and self-hosted options[1]
- All SaaS tools have generous free tiers[1]
-
Developer Experience:
- Minimal configuration required[1]
- Strong focus on component development and testing[1]
-
Business Intelligence:
- Comprehensive analytics setup with PostHog and Plausible[1]
- Built-in error tracking and monitoring[1]
The Cascade template stands out for its thoughtful balance between essential features and minimal complexity. It's particularly suitable for developers who want to:
- Start with a clean, modern tech stack
- Have essential business tools pre-configured
- Maintain flexibility for customization
- Deploy quickly with minimal setup
This positions it as an excellent choice for startups and individual developers who need a production-ready foundation without overwhelming complexity.
References
Citations: [1] https://github.com/d-ivashchuk/cascade [2] https://github.com/leerob/next-saas-starter/actions [3] https://github.com/async-labs/saas/labels [4] https://github.com/d-ivashchuk/cascade [5] https://boilerplatelist.com/collections/top-next-js-saas-boilerplates/ [6] https://support.anaplan.com/planning-budgeting-and-forecasting-for-saas-85ab9f2f-153f-4376-b2e8-659a9ce80875 [7] https://boilerplates4saas.com/boilerplate/async-labs-saas/ [8] https://www.cascade.app/videos/how-to-use-custom-update-templates [9] https://github.com/sambanova/ai-starter-kit/blob/main/multimodal_knowledge_retriever/README.md [10] https://nextjsstarter.com/blog/optimize-workflow-with-nextjs-saas-starter-tools/ [11] https://boilerplatelist.com/async-labs-saas/ [12] https://www.zenplates.co/documentation/utilities/position [13] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSHwm29QJzI [14] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWDRg4eDerg [15] https://nextjstemplates.com/templates/nextui-nextjs [16] https://www.cascade.app/videos/admin-user-orientation [17] https://dev.classmethod.jp/articles/learn-from-aws-cloudformation-template/ [18] https://staarter.dev [19] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/60028641/how-to-setup-a-custom-domain-to-a-saas [20] http://docs.joomlabamboo.com/zen-grid-framework-v1/adding-a-module-position-to-a-zen-grid-framework-template.html [21] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZShdCjvwb8 [22] https://www.reddit.com/r/SaaS/comments/18iupqp/best_saas_boilerplate/ [23] https://weinberg.northwestern.edu/communications/documents/cascade-manual.pdf [24] https://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/ai2/activity-starter.html [25] https://vercel.com/templates/next.js/next-js-saas-starter-1 [26] https://github.com/zenstackhq/zenstack [27] https://github.com/mickasmt/next-saas-stripe-starter/blob/main/README.md [28] https://starterindex.com/boilerplate/simonhoiberg-saas-template [29] https://canvasbusinessmodel.com/products/cascade-strategy-porters-five-forces [30] https://appsumo.com/products/ai-starter/ [31] https://dev.to/saasboilerplate/saas-boilerplate-and-starter-kit-4c1p [32] https://saasstarters.com/starter/async-labs-saas/ [33] https://blog.yarsalabs.com/securing-auth-with-zenstack/ [34] https://blog.ibadus.com/posts/build-a-saas-in-3-days [35] https://saasstarters.com/starter/saas-template/ [36] https://hallam.agency/blog/a-content-marketing-template-for-2020/ [37] https://nextjs-boilerplate.com/pro-saas-starter-kit [38] https://github.com/async-labs/async [39] https://devanil.dev/blog/ai-experience/ [40] https://www.reddit.com/r/SaaS/comments/1dd90fm/i_created_a_nextjs_saas_starter_kit_to_help_you/ [41] https://boilerplates4saas.com/boilerplate/async-labs-saas/ [42] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l887eoTUrm4 [43] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUjTIX0a1PM [44] https://github.com/d-ivashchuk/cascade [45] https://www.ewaycorp.com/cascade-cms-features-developers/ [46] https://www.nextjet.dev [47] https://browsee.io/blog/open-source-saas-boilerplates-for-your-next-side-project/ [48] https://zenstack.dev/blog/seven-months-oss [49] https://next-saas-stripe-starter.vercel.app [50] https://saas-ui.dev [51] https://www.builtatlightspeed.com/theme/siumauricio-landing-template-nextui [52] https://zenstack.dev/blog/saas-backend [53] https://imaginovation.net/services/mobile-app-maintenance-and-support/ [54] https://boilerplatelist.com/collections/top-next-js-saas-boilerplates/ [55] https://zenstack.dev/docs/the-complete-guide [56] https://qiita.com/syukan3/items/59865fa18934eab2c414 [57] https://www.thesaascfo.com/saas-financial-model-excel/ [58] https://www.aienterprise.com/application-maintenance [59] https://www.zenoss.com/services-support/support [60] https://github.com/SimonHoiberg/saas-template