Tools You Own: My Move Toward Local-First Development
As a developer I value simplicity, stability, and tools that people can truly own. This is the story behind why I shifted toward local-first, offline-friendly, and self-hosted tools.
Keep ReadingDjango Developer · Creator of Self-Hosted Tools · Local-First Advocate
Diane Corriette
Self-Hosted Systems for a Subscription-Free Life
I design and build Django applications and self-hosted tools for creators and small businesses who want control over their digital systems. My approach blends modern Django development with a growing focus on local-first and offline-friendly applications—giving people software they can run and own themselves.
From micro eCommerce sites to personal productivity systems and privacy-focused tools, my work centres on stability, ownership, and subscription-free simplicity.
What I Build
Practical Systems for People Who Want Ownership
I'm Diane Corriette, a Django developer who builds clean, well-structured applications and self-hosted tools for creators and small businesses. My work blends backend development with a growing interest in local-first systems - tools designed to give people more control, privacy, and long-term stability.
From micro eCommerce sites to personal productivity tools and offline-friendly apps, I create systems that can run without subscriptions or platform lock-in. I still develop modern Django web applications, but I also explore ways to help people own the tools they depend on.
Django & Python
Backend logic, APIs, and lightweight tools built for long-term maintainability.
Self-Hosted Tools
Systems you can run yourself that are stable, private, and subscription-free.
Local-First Principles
Tools where your data lives with you first. Offline-friendly and independent.
Creator-Focused Builds
Ecommerce, dashboards, planning tools, and systems built with creators in mind.
Latest Writing
Development, Tools & Local-First Thinking
I write about Django development, building self-hosted systems, the local-first philosophy, and the tools I’m creating as I explore this direction. Some posts are technical, others reflect on the journey of becoming a developer who values ownership, simplicity, and practical systems.
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Building the Mini eCommerce Builder System
A look at how I created a lean, self-hosted digital shop using Django, reusable components, and a structure designed for creators who prefer independence over subscriptions.
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