Can AI replace Slab?

KINDA · weekend project
price variesbuild time multi-daycategory ✅ tasksreplaced by 0 peoplebuild unverified

The visible team knowledge base loop is buildable, but a credible replacement needs more than the first screen. Slab earns its keep through collaboration, integrations, polish, so expect a weekend or multi-day build and a narrower personal scope.

the prompt
Build a deliberately narrow personal substitute for Slab, not a full clone.
Use exactly this stack: Next.js 15 + TypeScript + SQLite.
Primary job: Build a single-user team knowledge base workspace with projects, tasks, statuses, filters, recurring items, and JSON export.
Start from an empty folder and create the complete working project.
Make the default mode single-user and private.
Store user data locally unless the core job requires the declared self-hosted database.
Do not add analytics, telemetry, ads, or third-party accounts.
Put every secret and external credential in .env and provide .env.example.
Use realistic sample data that is clearly labelled and easy to delete.
Implement the smallest polished interface that completes the core loop end to end.
Include clear empty, loading, validation, success, and failure states.
Add import and export so the user is not trapped in the app.
Use accessible keyboard navigation, labels, focus states, and sensible contrast.
Validate untrusted input and never log secrets or private file contents.
Deliberately exclude these paid-product advantages: large integration catalog; mobile capture and notifications; real-time multiplayer.
Do not fake integrations, network effects, proprietary data, model quality, compliance, or security claims.
Where an external API is optional, keep the app useful without it and explain the degraded mode.
Write focused unit tests for the data model and the most important workflow.
Add one end-to-end smoke test that proves the core loop works.
Create a README with setup, permissions, architecture, data location, backup, and limitations.
Add scripts for install, development, test, build, and a production-style local run.
Run the tests and build before finishing, then fix errors rather than merely describing them.

$ open in your agent (prompt prefilled, you press enter) or copy it raw · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR

why people still pay

Slab: Teams pay because shared state, notifications, permissions, and migrations are harder than the visible board or list.

what you lose

xlarge integration catalog

xmobile capture and notifications

xreal-time multiplayer

xenterprise permissions

prior art · use these instead of building, if you'd ratherVikunjaOpen-source task manager with lists, boards, and collaboration.PlaneOpen-source issue and project tracker.
share on X ↗"I just replaced Slab with one prompt"
questions
Can AI replace Slab?

Kinda. The core of Slab is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: large integration catalog, mobile capture and notifications. Read the honest list above before committing.

How much does Slab cost?

Slab's pricing is usage-based or varies by plan — The official pricing URL is recorded, but a stable current amount was not safely recoverable in this pass. Do not publish a number until rechecked..

What do I lose by replacing Slab?

Honestly: large integration catalog; mobile capture and notifications; real-time multiplayer; enterprise permissions. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.

Is there an open-source alternative to Slab?

Yes — Vikunja (Open-source task manager with lists, boards, and collaboration.), Plane (Open-source issue and project tracker.). Using prior art is also a valid exit; the prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.