The chinese-independent-developer project is a large, community-maintained list of products created by Chinese independent developers, focused on real-world apps and websites rather than developer tools or forums. It serves as a directory that showcases what solo or small teams are building, making it easier for users to discover indie software and for developers to gain visibility. Entries in the list are categorized by status, such as in development, launched, or closed/maintenance-lacking, using simple iconography to convey state at a glance. The repository has attracted a substantial community, with many contributors helping to add, refine, and maintain entries over time. It also acts as a historical snapshot of the Chinese indie dev ecosystem, preserving projects even after they have stopped active development. For new indie creators, the list works as inspiration and a benchmark, illustrating a spectrum of product ideas, niches, and business models that others have tried.
Features
- Curated catalog of Chinese indie-made apps and websites
- Status indicators for projects (in development, launched, discontinued) using icons
- Community-driven contribution model with many collaborators and maintainers
- Simple Markdown-based structure that is easy to browse and extend
- Discovery tool for users looking to try or support indie-built products
- Inspiration resource for developers exploring niches, product ideas, and markets