September 24th, 2025 × #Fullstack#NodeJS#Databases#CareerAdvice
Picking a Fullstack Stack, Is Next.js Too Complex? Services vs Self-Hosted + More
Wes and Scott tackle a potluck of questions: which Node backend to pick, how to plan a project, why free tiers bite you later, whether GraphQL is dead, and whether Next.js has gotten too complicated. Plus a rare disagreement over TanStack Form and sick picks that range from AI girlfriends to Wago connectors.
Wes Bos Host
Scott Tolinski Host
#940
In this potluck episode, Wes and Scott answer your questions about modern full-stack stacks, Node.js backend options, managing database indexes, developer burnout, handling toxic bosses, and more!
Show Notes
- 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
- 02:36 What’s your go-to Node.js backend in 2025?
- 06:18 Do you proactively manage database indexes—or fix them only when they become a problem?
- 09:40 Brought to you by Sentry.io
- 12:14 After planning a new project, what’s your real-world dev workflow?
- 18:19 What to do when you’re feeling burned out as a developer
- 23:34 Picking the right tech stack for your partner’s website
- 28:18 How do you deal with a toxic boss?
- 33:10 The ideal tech stack for launching a SaaS MVP
- 39:46 Is GraphQL still worth it vs REST or RPC?
- 44:26 Is Vercel steering modern web dev in the wrong direction?
- 51:20 What’s up with TanStack Forms?
- 59:35 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs
Sick Picks
- Scott: Flesh and Code
- Wes: WAGO connectors
Shameless Plugs
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