Decent Launch Program

We need apps for our portal—a place for like-minded users to explore and discover. The Decent Launch Program helps developers like you build and release them.

This program helps you quickly release a small, functional app. We offer light guidance for developers with some coding experience. You’ll also have opportunities to promote your app and get feedback. Plus, we provide free hosting and deployment tools.

Applying is simple—just send us an email. (Details in "How to Apply" below.)

Comparison to Related Options

We don't want to be confused with other options for developing a programming career or startup business. Our program is just about releasing an app. The table below helps show key differences.

If you're a more experienced software engineer, you may want less help from us. Not a problem - we'll tailor guidance to your needs.

What Happens During the Program

1. Plan and Setup - Clarify what you'll build and get your project set up properly. Your app source will be kept in a public GitHub repo (yours, not ours) with Github Actions to deploy to a shareable URL (e.g., https://decentapps.net/yourapp) for testing or showcasing. We'll also give you access to our private Discord channel where you can talk with other program participants.
2. Alpha Implementation - Make sure your app idea will work. Many times this starts with prompt engineering before you write code. The alpha stage culminates in a demo which can be on a live Twitch stream if you like.
3. Beta Implementation - Armed with confidence that your app idea is sound, you build out the user experience in your app next. You will arrive at a beta state, where all functionality needed for launch is code complete. At this point, you have another demo, which can also be on a live Twitch stream.
4. Launch Readiness - Towards the end of the project, you aren't adding any new features, but are just polishing up what you've got. We do one last review with you, and flip a switch to make your app live on the Decent Portal.

After launching your app, you'll be able to keep improving it with updates as it suits you. A release on our portal is non-exclusive - you can simultaneously release your app any other place, including your own website.

People We’re Looking For

• At least a year of coding experience in JavaScript or TypeScript. We offer light guidance if needed but won’t get in your way if you’re experienced.
• Willing to develop in React/Typescript or, for more experienced web developers, willingness to apply the Decent architecture in a different tech stack with minimal guidance.
• Self-motivated—this is your app, not ours. We provide support, but you’re the one driving it to release.
• Able to commit ~16 hours/week. It’s flexible, and we won’t track your time—it’s just a sign you’re likely to launch within 90 days.
• Committed to real software engineering. AI-assisted coding (Copilot, Cursor, etc.) is welcome, but you should understand every line of your app. We don’t trust “vibe coding” to deliver good software.

Apps We’re Looking For

Accepted apps can be nearly anything—tools, games, art, or technical experiments. We don’t judge ideas—we focus on helping you build. Your passion is what matters.

Need an idea? We can suggest something interesting. In fact, we have a doc with a list of potential ideas that we will send you.

Guidelines for a successful app idea:

• Can be completed in about 200 hours (13 weekends for hardcore moonlighters). Larger scopes are fine if you have more time or experience. And you can always add more features after you launch.
• Doesn’t require service calls. Static content (e.g., map tiles, public data) is fine. 
• No promotion of activities illegal in the US or EU.
• No harm to users—this is a grey area, but we won’t accept apps that could cause real-world harm (e.g., medical advice apps).
• Safe for minors—apps should have an "E for Everyone" sensibility since we don’t yet have age verification.

Those guidelines are for your app idea, and there are some more requirements your implemented app must follow to launch on our portal. But you’re free to release a different version elsewhere that doesn’t necessarily follow them.

If Things Don’t Work Out

You can leave the program anytime. There’s no cost or legal obligation. We don’t take equity—we just want to help you launch.

You always own your code and IP. Want to remove your app from our portal? Just ask—we’ll take it down. Want to remove our portal from your app? Do it yourself by deleting a little code. It's your frigging app - not ours!

How to Apply

Email launch@decentapps.net and express interest. We can answer questions and give you next steps. These will probably involve choosing a project idea and setting up your Github repository.

As a reward for reaching out to us, we will send you our "Ideas for Decent Apps" doc, (shown below) in which you will find a collection of no-strings-attached ideas that we hope will inspire you.