Building a Modern Portfolio with Next.js 15 and Supabase

After years of using template portfolios, I decided to build something that actually represents how I think about software—systems that are both functional and delightful to use.

Why Another Portfolio?

Most developer portfolios fall into two categories:

1. Over-engineered - 3D animations, WebGL backgrounds, and 15-second load times
2. Under-designed - Plain HTML that looks like it's from 2010

I wanted something in between: fast, functional, and memorable.

The Tech Stack

const stack = {
  framework: "Next.js 15",
  database: "Supabase (PostgreSQL)",
  styling: "Tailwind CSS",
  deployment: "Vercel",
  features: [
    "App Router",
    "Server Components",
    "Edge Functions",
    "Real-time subscriptions"
  ]
};

Why Next.js 15?

The App Router is finally stable and the DX is incredible:

• Server Components reduce client-side JavaScript
• Streaming makes pages feel instant
• Built-in caching handles most performance concerns

Why Supabase?

I needed a CMS but didn't want to pay for one. Supabase gives me:

• PostgreSQL with Row Level Security
• Real-time subscriptions for live updates
• Storage for images and assets
• Auth that just works

Key Features

1. Terminal-Inspired UI

The command palette (Cmd+K) and terminal (~) aren't just gimmicks—they're faster ways to navigate for developers who live in the terminal.

2. Dynamic Everything

Every piece of content comes from the database:

• Hero text and CTAs
• Navigation items
• Projects and blog posts
• Even the "Now" panel

3. GitHub Integration

The activity log pulls from GitHub's API, showing recent commits alongside blog posts and projects. It's a living portfolio that updates itself.

Performance

What I Learned

1. Ship early, iterate often - The first version was embarrassingly simple
2. Premature optimization is real - I spent 2 days on animations nobody noticed
3. Good defaults matter - Most visitors won't customize anything

What's Next?

• Blog search and filtering
• RSS feed
• Dark/light theme toggle
• More interactive demos

The entire source code is available on GitHub. Feel free to fork it and make it your own.