Indie Dev Open-Sources Mkdirs Directory Template After Serving 300+ Customers
yihui_indie · x · 2026-08-10
Indie developer Fox has officially open-sourced Mkdirs, their first commercial template project. Built with Next.js, Mkdirs is an AI-powered directory website template that enables rapid deployment of directory sites with payments, authentication, and SEO.
The author shared a candid business review behind the open-sourcing: the project served over 300 customers but saw zero sales for two consecutive months due to shifting market trends (AI tool sites outcompeting directories), stalled growth, and shifted focus. While acknowledging directories are less viable as long-term businesses now, the author believes open-sourcing provides immense value for newcomers practicing full-stack development and growth strategies.
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